A young woman found dead in the snow in Deal after walking back from a night out was not wearing a coat, it has been revealed.

The body of Bernadette Lee, 25, was discovered in Church Meadows yesterday morning in the garden next door to her sister.

She died in freezing conditions in the early hours just yards from the house of her sister Jodie Lee, who is not thought to have been at home.

Tragic Bernadette, pictured right and known to friends as Bernie, is believed to have fallen in the snow.

Police confirmed Bernadette, who is thought to have been wearing a dress, did not have a winter coat with her.

A man found Bernadette at about 7.30am while walking his dog in Church Meadows.

Kent Police launched an investigation, but Bernadette's death is not being treated as suspicious.

Officers are now preparing a report for the coroner ahead of a post mortem examination due to be held later this week.

Bernadette was described by friends as "bubbly, chatty" and "a beautiful young woman".

More than 1,500 people have 'liked' a Facebook page set up in her memory called R.I.P The beautiful Bernadette Lucy Lee.

Tributes have been paid to Bernadette Lee, found dead in the snow in Deal

One friend, Hayley Ingram, said: "I thought you were absolutely beautiful, funny and made me laugh.

"I cannot believe it, cannot get it out of my head, my loving thoughts are always with you. Love you so much."

Police officers were called to the scene along with a crew from South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Bernadette was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.

The scene of the woman's death in Church Meadows, Deal

A Kent Police spokesman said: "It appears to have been a non-suspicious death - a tragic accident.

"She had almost made it the address she was staying at.

"We don't know exactly how she has come to be in the snow and that will form part of the report we prepare for the coroner.

"A post mortem examination will be held later this week."

A Facebook group was set up in memory of tragic Bernadette Lee

Among those to pay tribute to Bernadette on Facebook was Luke Drayson.

He said: "I was closer to you than anyone on this earth, words could never be enough to describe how proud mum and I were of the beautiful person you'd become.

"You'll have the most special place in our hearts now and for all of time... Heartbroken for the moments I'll never get to share with you, privileged for the ones I did."

Jack Swan said: "Another angel on her way to heaven. rest in peace."

Another friend, Karl McKeown, said: "RIP Bernie lots of fond memories of you come to mind. Thoughts go out to your family and friends so sorry."

And Emma Floody said: "Rest in peace beautiful lady, u were such a lovely chatty bubbly person this is such a cruel world."

Anyone with any information about the death is asked to phone police on 101.