Jo Yeates: Manager pays tribute to 'talented designer'

Miss Yeates came to BDP as a student in October 2008

The manager of the design company where Jo Yeates worked as a landscape architect has paid tribute to her.

Miss Yeates, 25, was found dead on Christmas Day, eight days after going missing from her Bristol home.

Keith Pavey, who is the head of BDP's Bristol studio, said when he interviewed Miss Yeates in 2008 it was "obvious" she would get the job.

Vincent Tabak, 32, who lived next door to Miss Yeates' Canynge Road flat, has been charged with her murder.

Mr Pavey said Miss Yeates had joined the company in October 2008 while she was a student.

"Jo had a great personality, a commitment to the profession and talent as a young designer.

'Extra mile'

"We sponsored her to do her second degree at the University of Gloucestershire and gave her a full-time job.

"She was a popular member of the office, very professional and committed, and would always go the extra mile to get things done.

"Jo had a great career ahead of her.

Mr Pavey said it was "the worst Christmas on record" with the news of her disappearance and the discovery of her body.

He added: "Being at the centre of a murder inquiry is not something we're used to.

"The atmosphere in the office has been pretty awful - though some sense of normality is returning."