Tributes paid to Kingswinford ex-beauty queen, 35

Tributes were today paid to former Black Country beauty queen and mother-of-one Helen Baker who was found dead at her home.

The family of Miss Baker, who was crowned Miss Stourbridge Crystal in 1995, have described her as fun-loving and kind. The former Crestwood School pupil was found dead at her home in Ragees Road, Kingswinford, on December 18.

She leaves behind 10-year-old daughter Saskia. Miss Baker was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy - or nerve damage - in August 2009, which left her partially disabled.

Her family say it was a great cause of distress to a young woman who had always been very active, loved dancing and had been a member of a leisure centre.

The cause of her death is not yet known and investigations are continuing.

Miss Baker's mother Margaret, from Chelford Road, Kingswinford, said her daughter was 20 years old when she won the title of Miss Stourbridge Crystal.

"I remember how proud we all were of her," she said.

"It was the only contest she had ever entered.

"She did various charity events as a result, which she loved.

"She was a girl who loved the limelight."

Mrs Baker added: "She was a very, very popular person amongst her friends. She was a very emotional, caring person with a very kind heart. She was very fun-loving and loved to get dressed up.

"When Helen walked into a room, heads turned."

Miss Baker's friend Lisa Redfern said: "On a night out Helen would look stunning.

"She had total presence when she entered a room."

Mrs Baker said Helen became friendly with members of Take That in her early twenties.

"She briefly went out with a friend of Robbie Williams. Robbie used to call our house," she said.

"She first met them at a club in Stoke and even went into Gary Barlow's house in London on one occasion.

"Helen's Miss Stourbridge Crystal title and her brief association with Take That were the highlights of her social world.

"Her daughter Saskia was the highlight of her life."

Her mother added: "Helen will be sadly missed by all family and friends, but most of all by Saskia, who will read out a poem she has written, at the funeral."

By Helen Cartwright