Friends of an Ayrshire woman who was found dead 100 miles from her home have described her as a "caring person who would help anyone".

Annalise Johnstone was discovered in a wooded area near the B8062 between Auchterarder and Dunning on Thursday afternoon around 24 hours after leaving her home in Ardrossan to travel to Tayside.

The 22-year-old, who was known to help out at her local church, was last seen alive near to Ruthven Court, Auchterarder at around 10pm the same night.

Paying tribute to her friend, Amanda Mirtitsch said: "She was really friendly and would try help anyone, even when she was going through a hard time she would still chat to me and try cheer me up.

"She had a wee dog and loved caring for it, she just enjoyed caring about people.

"She went to church and helped out a lot and this is where I first met her.

"She never let all of her hardships get her down and had loads of energy."

Police investigating the death confirmed on Monday that it was being treated as suspicious.

Officers are carrying out forensic examinations as well as reviewing CCTV and speaking to the local community in and around the area.

They are particularly keen to trace a silver Ford Galaxy car which is linked to the enquiry.

They are also looking for her mobile phone and a bag of medication she had with her when she left the house.

Senior investigating officer, detective superintendent James Smith said: "We are doing everything we can to try and find out what has happened to Annalise and would seek the assistance of the public in that respect.

"Please get in touch with us even if you think your information may not be relevant to the enquiry, it may prove vital in establishing what has happened to Annalise."