FRIENDS, family, neighbours and work colleagues of Elaina Beard gathered for a moving tribute on Friday (February 16).

Elaina, 29, died in a crash on the M5 on Friday, February 9.

People gathered outside Elaina’s former home at Westfield House, in Bridgwater, before heading to St Matthews Field to release more than 100 balloons of all shapes and colours in her memory.

One of Elaina’s close friends gave a toast and one of her favourite songs was played as the balloons were released before they floated across the field and into the sky.

Around 50 people gathered at St Matthew’s Field, where Bridgwater Fair is held every year, for the emotional ceremony.

Joe Johnstone had worked with Elaina at The Boat and Anchor and described her as ‘always happy’. He said: “We had a boss who was quite tough but she would always get you through a difficult shift. She was always full of happiness. She would give you a real boost and she never had a bad word to say about anybody.”

Following her death, Elaina’s family released a statement saying they were ‘heartbroken’ at the loss, describing her as a ‘loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend’.

Their tribute read: “Even as we write this it still doesn’t seem real that she was taken away from us so early “We are supporting each other as a family and have sought a little comfort in the outpouring of messages from people close and far, and we thank you all. We take some comfort knowing she is now with our nan and grandad.”

Colleagues at Bluebird Care, based at Westpark, Chelston, near Wellington, also paid tribute describing Elaina as a ‘firecracker’ on the Sedgemoor and Burnham-on-Sea team.

A statement from her colleagues said: “Courtney, her manager and friend said she had a unique sense of humour which delighted her customers who will greatly miss her.

“Elaina was a private person who spent her quality time with her sister and niece and nephew in Bridgwater.

“Elaina has been with us since August 2017 and loved her job - she gave up her entire Christmas to help her colleagues enjoy theirs. In short, Elaina was a great care worker who will be sadly missed.”