A woman who led a campaign to save her village's fire station died after suffering smoke inhalation and extensive burns in a fire at her own home, an inquest has heard.

The hearing into the death of Tracey Swann, 46, was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich this morning (Tuesday, December 20).

Ms Swann died on September 24 this year at her home in Caley Street, Heacham.

Coroner Jacqueline Lake said: 'On the evening of September 24 emergency services attended a house fire at her home address. She was declared dead at the scene.'

Ms Swann was stalwart of her community and a strong supporter of Heacham's fire station.

The station was earmarked for closure in September 2015 and Ms Swann fought to keep it in conjunction with a county-wide EDP Save Our Stations campaign.

It was confirmed in February that the station had been saved.

Ms Swann was also a parish councillor, youth club chairman and a mother of a 16-year-old son.

Caroline Page, a friend, paid tribute to her after her death, saying: 'She was a fantastic lady and it's a terrific loss for Heacham'.

Vicar the Rev Veronica Wilson said: 'She's going to be sorely missed. She was part of the wider church community. She did readings at Christmas, she was very supportive of the church, she ran the youth group.'

Tributes also flooded in on social media.

Liz Richards posted on Facebook: 'What dreadful news, she will be sorely missed.'

The inquest heard that Ms Swann worked as a phlebotomist - someone who draws blood from a patient.

The inquest will continue on June 16 next year at the coroner's court at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court.