Family and friends have paid tribute to a “perfect daughter” who died unexpectedly at a party last week.

Annie Edwards, 17, from Lewes, died in her sleep at a house in South Street, Ditchling, on Friday morning.

Police described the death as “unexplained” and are awaiting results from a post-mortem examination.

Annie's parents, Steve and Helen Edwards, told The Argus: “Our wonderful, happy, loving, warm-hearted, clever, mad, beautiful daughter Annie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday morning.

“She was at a party with close and loving friends, having a wonderful time, and at the end it seems she laid down, went to sleep, and never woke up.

“We have always found it difficult to believe that someone so perfect should choose to spend their life with us. It is now impossible to believe we will never see her again."

Annie, who would have celebrated her 18th birthday in May, grew up in Lewes and attended Southover Primary and Lewes Priory schools.

She was predicted to get three A grade A-levels from Brighton's Varndean College and recently received an unconditional offer from Birmingham University to study English Language and Classical Literature.

Her father Steve said: “She loved music and would have taken her grade eight exam for the flute this year.

“She also loved music festivals and gigs, and had an extensive and eclectic taste in recorded music. She had recently had new CD reviews published in the Lewes Musical Express.”

Grieving friends also paid tribute to the talented teenager.

Emma Hughes said: “Words cannot describe how much I love you and how much I miss you. My beautiful, wonderful friend. Forever in our hearts.”

Ally Grant added: “Mad as a hatter you were. I love you, you beautiful, gorgeous person.

“Look after yourself up there.

"She'll always be the young and sweet dancing queen.”

East Sussex Coroners' Office told The Argus yesterday it had been informed of Annie's death and was awaiting a date for an inquest.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark O'Brien, of Sussex Police, said: "This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the girl's family and friends at this sad time.

“A post-mortem will be held to determine the cause of her death, but until that time it will be treated as unexplained.”

Friends come forward to pay tribute to "beautiful" Annie - 

"Annie was always such a joy to be around. One of the most wonderful, gracious and crazy people I ever met. It make me incredibly happy to have had the honour to spend time with such a beautiful person, and it makes me proud to have known she was my friend. Forever in our hearts. Love you forever and always."

Katie Grant

"It was a privilege to have known someone who was so unbelievably beautiful inside and out. Knowing Annie made you a better person, and I can't believe I was lucky enough to call her a friend. Words cannot describe how much I love her, and how much I will miss her. My wonderful and utterly mad friend, you are forever in my heart."

Emma Hughes

"My first friend, thank you for the years of laughter, thank you for making me a better person, thank you for being you."

Phoebe

"Can't believe you're not here anymore, gunna miss you so much! I will always love and remember you. Thanks for being such a fabulous friend."

Jack

"I will never find a better tango partner. Your kitchen will always be our dancefloor, your laughter being my song."

Ruth

"We would laugh hysterically about nothing for hours, just being completely carefree. The best way to spend time in life, and it's a rare gift to find someone who you can do that with."

Anon

"To me, Annie was a wonderful person, always finding something to talk 
about and laugh about, even if it was silly! She was beautiful and always brought a smile to my face. My last moments with her were happy ones and I'll never forget them. She brought so much joy to people's lives and I'm happy to have been part of that."

Robbie

"Knowing someone since before you can walk, there's a connection like no other."

Anon

"Thank you so much for everything, all the memories, all the gigs, and for always understanding me. You're a wonderful person. I love you and I'll miss you. x"

Anon