THE family of a woman who died after falling into the River Exe has paid tribute to a "much loved nan and mum".

Dot Stevens, 80, plunged into the water after falling from steps on Exeter Quay.

Two men desperately tried to resuscitate her but she later died at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Mrs Stevens, of Silverton, near Exeter, had disembarked from Butt's Ferry to the Piazza Terracina, but fell into the river as she climbed steps.

Horrified witnesses rushed to help her.

The boat's operator dived into the river and tried to keep Mrs Stevens' head above water before two others pulled her to safety and tried to resuscitate her.

Her family have described her death as "horrendous" and say she will be "missed enormously".

The grandmother was well known in Silverton, as a long-standing member of the Women's Institute and Over-60s club.

Her family, daughter Jill Phillips, 57, granddaughters Kelly Sweeney, 32, Debbie Sweeney, 30, and Melissa Phillips, 19, paid tribute to Ms Stevens in a statement given to the Echo, along with a picture of Mrs Stevens.

The family thanked those who tried to save her life.

They said: "Dot was a much loved nan of three, Debbie, Kelly and Melissa, and mum of one daughter Jill.

"She was a much-valued member of the local community as treasurer of Silverton WI and a member of the over 60s club, with which she enjoyed many outings and holidays.

"We are extremely grateful to all of those that helped on that tragic day, especially the two men that attempted to resuscitate her. We are completely devastated by the loss of a much-loved nan and mum who was taken from us in such horrendous circumstances.

"She will be missed enormously and we will hold her in our hearts and thoughts every day."

Members of Silverton WI, where Mrs Stevens was treasurer for 18 years, also paid tribute to her.

Kathleen Chanter, president of the group, told the Echo: "Shortly after moving to Silverton, Dot joined the Silverton WI in about 1989, and having accounting experience, she soon became the WI treasurer.

"It was a post she held for 18 years until her death. She was a very loyal and dependable treasurer. She will be remembered for her quiet efficiency and friendship."

Fellow member Sheila Cameron described Ms Stevens as a "great friend".

"Dot was a very bright lady — she was a marvellous woman," she said.

"She handled our finances for 18 years and she was a very great friend."

The incident happened close to Bar Venezia at around 2.20pm on Tuesday, July 20.

Ferry operator Harry Dinnington, 23, was returning across the river when he saw Ms Stevens in the water and jumped in to try to save her.

Witness Richard Carus, 37, helped to try to revive Ms Stevens after she had been pulled out of the water.

Butt's Ferry, which is run by Exeter Cruises, was closed following the incident and the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation. The ferry was reopened the next day.

The family has called for safety improvements to the Quay area but say they do not blame anyone for Ms Stevens' death.

They said: "We are not blaming anybody on the Quayside, the cyclists or ferryman — it was no one's fault.

"We believe the ferry should keep operating and we are very grateful to the ferryman and the other people who helped us.

"We do not want the whole quay fenced off, though maybe it would be an idea to create shallower steps and a safety gate at the ferry docking area as this was the actual problem and nothing else.

"Thank you to those who have left kind comments, but we do not wish anyone to take the blame."

The incident has been passed to the Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner and an inquest into Mrs Stevens' death is expected to be opened today.