TRIBUTES have been paid to a "special" 34-year-old woman who lost her battle against cancer.

Claire Michelle Westgate, of Burrs Road, Clacton, died on Saturday.

Miss Westgate went to school at the old Windsor School in Clacton, now known as Shorefields.

She worked at Tendring Reuse and Employment Enterprise in Plough Corner, Little Clacton, until she became ill in September.

She was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in January and spent the last few days very unwell.

Her mother, Lynne Philpot, said: "I was very proud she was our daughter for 34 years and was like an angel.

"My husband (Raymond Philpot) adored her and she was his best friend.

"Everyone knew her and loved her, she never had a bad word to say about anyone and had never a bad school report.

"All of her social workers remarked on her beaming smile and her lovely ways.

"She was one special lady."

Mrs Philpot said she enjoyed her time at Magdalen Close respite home in Clacton, travelled the world with her family and loved pop festivals.

She also leaves brother Christopher and and her dog, Megan.

Her family moved to Clacton from Braintree when she was 16.

The funeral is yet to be arranged.