The children of a woman who kept 206 dogs in pitiful conditions in a shed behind her house have spoken of her love for animals.

Grandmother-of-four Elizabeth Stevens, 73, was an animal rescue volunteer with the Yorkshire Terrier Club and a pedigree dog breeder who became reclusive following the death of her husband in 1991.

Her four grown-up children say she did not allow family or friends into the outhouse behind her cottage in Malthouse Lane, Hurstpierpoint.

They say they only realised how bad conditions were for the animals following her death on Sunday.

The dogs were being kept in cages stuffed full of newspapers and covered in faeces.

Six puppies were already dead when discovered by rescuers.

There were also 39 cats found living in marginally-better conditions at the property.

Mrs Stevens' children Tim, 42, Andrew, 41, Chris, 37, and 35-year-old Philippa today issued a statement saying their mother had not bred dogs for profit.

It said: "She had refused to trade with puppy farms or dealers and she was a respected licensed breeder of pedigree dogs in her time.

"We remember fondly her passion for animals and we will always respect the fact that she cared for our father in the family home, as well as the children, for three years after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.

"She had become more reclusive as she grew older but she remained a very genuine, well-meaning and caring person.

"Her garden was a haven for wildlife - squirrels, pheasants and even rare butterflies - and she would often relate tales of nature to us.

"Family and friends were not allowed into the purpose-built kennels where the dogs were kept so we did not have any knowledge of what was happening."

Speaking to The Argus, Chris Stevens said his mother would not have intentionally hurt the dogs.

He said: "She was an old lady. She was 73 years old. Those dogs were her only reason for getting up in the morning and if she hadn't had them she'd have died 20 years earlier. She loved those animals."

All the animals have been taken in by various animal charities throughout the county.