The partner of a 33-year-old Rustington parish councillor who died suddenly from a brain tumour today paid tribute to her.

He said Paula Hughes was an adoring young mother who left behind seven children.

John Ceiriog-Hughes, 51, lost Mrs Hughes, his partner of nine years, on February 5 when she died in her sleep. They both served on the parish council.

Mrs Hughes' tumour was diagnosed last August. She was told it was too advanced to be stopped.

Mr Ceiriog-Hughes and his partner's family were shocked her death came so suddenly.

Their four children Dafydd, seven, Drystan, six, John, two, and Paulajane, 14 months, are being cared for by other family members.

Her other three children from a previous partner are also with relatives.

Mr Ceiriog-Hughes said: "She was down in the dumps for some time and then in August she started sleeping a lot and having problems with movement in her neck and mouth. She kept falling over.

"She went into hospital and they found it was a brain tumour and it was too late. She had radiotherapy in December to prolong her life and I knew there was no hope.

"I'm taking it very hard. She wasn't just a loved one but a friend as well. I planned for me to go first. She was so young and had so much to give still.

"The first time we met I was attracted by her sense of life and her bubbly personality. She lived her life to the full right to the end."

Mrs Hughes was one of the youngest members of the parish council and did much charity work to raise funds for research into cot death syndrome.

Her partner said: "She started at the council two years ago and was over the moon about it. Rustington is becoming a younger place and we need young members.

"I think she was an inspiration for younger people. Her outlook was for youth. We had plans in time for us to retire and live in Tenerife because she liked it there. It's such a shame."

Mrs Hughes' funeral took place on Tuesday.