Lady Spencer, wife of former Brighton Pavilion MP Sir Derek Spencer, has died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 44.

Sir Derek, also a former Solicitor General, was a Conservative MP in Brighton from 1992 to 1997.

Lady Spencer collapsed at her London home. She is survived by her husband and their 12-year-old son, Frederick.

She became well known in Brighton for her lively and ebullient manner when Sir Derek was a local MP and they had a home in the constituency.

Councillor Ken Norman was Pavilion Tory chairman during most of that period.

He said: "It was clear that Caroline played an important role during this period of Derek's life.

"Everyone who knew Caroline was aware of her zest for life and great sense of fun, which could calm the most difficult situation."

Coun Norman is godfather to Frederick and with his wife Ann, also a councillor, remained in touch with the family after Sir Derek's defeat by Labour's David Lepper in the 1997 General Election.

He said: "They were a very close family and we are sure that both Derek and Frederick will miss her terribly."

The funeral will take place at Mortlake Crematorium, London, on Monday at 2.30pm.