Tributes have been flooding in for the late Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Anni Young, who died suddenly in her sleep on Tuesday night.

Cllr Young also worked at Tesco and was manager of the Guildhall. Following news of her sudden passing, Axminster Nub News has been inundated with tributes, describing her as a kind and lovely woman with the Axminster community at heart.

Former Mayor of Axminster and 'Father of the Council', Cllr Jeremy Walden, said: "I met Anni when she first came to Axminster with Matt, her husband, and dear friends Carol and Mark, a few weeks before Tesco opened.

"They came in the bar and from that moment on we were friends. She was a kind, intelligent and gifted individual, and she loved this town and its people.

"She will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Matt, her family and friends. Personally I have lost a dear, dear friend. RIP Anni, we will always love you."

Another former town mayor, Cllr Paul Hayward, commented on Twitter: "Lost a very dear friend this morning. The world is a less colourful, less kind and less caring place with her passing.

"My thoughts are for her husband, family and her close friends. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her."

The staff at Axminster Community waffle House, which Anni officially opened earlier this month as one of her last official duties as mayor, issued the following statement: "Here at Team waffle, we want to celebrate the amazing, joyful life that Mayor Anni Young led. Whilst we are deeply saddened by her sudden departure from us, we know that she has left a great legacy for Axminster.

"Thank you, Anni, for always believing in our vision and supporting us in every way you could."

On Facebook, Axminster Musical Theatre (AMT) said: "Axminster Musical Theatre are very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Axminster Mayor and Guildhall manager Anni Young.

"Anni was a big fan of our work at AMT and a massive support when putting on shows at the Guildhall. Our thoughts are with her family and husband Matt."