The sudden death of a 45-year-old councillor has shocked her family and colleagues.

Gilly Sweet, a Labour councillor in the Mash Barn ward of Adur District Council, died on Wednesday in her sleep.

Coun Sweet had been a kidney dialysis patient for 23 years.

A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday because of the sudden nature of her death.

Labour leader at Adur Daniel Yates said: "We are all stunned by this unexpected news.

"I'm sure my comrades would want me to thank all those who have passed on their condolences to Gilly's husband, Nigel.

"I know that our, and many other people's thoughts, are with him and his family.

"Gilly was always ready to speak up for those who needed help.

"Her humour and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

"She was respected widely as one of the hardest-working ward councillors at Adur."

Coun Sweet was instrumental in securing the £1.5million government funding for the upgrading of council houses in Mash Barn over the last year.

She was also chairwoman of the Labour Party's Shoreham and Southwick branch.