Workers at Brighton's newborn baby unit have set up a memorial fund following the sudden death of a colleague.

Neonatal nurse consultant Karen Booth died at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on December 30.

Miss Booth had worked at the hospital's Trevor Mann Baby Unit since 1992.

Last March, she became the first person in England to be appointed as a neonatal nurse consultant.

Miss Booth, 41, was well-known and popular with the parents of her young patients and had a great relationship with her colleagues.

Fellow workers said she loved her job and was completely committed to it.

When she was made consultant, Miss Booth had a vision of developing a team of specialist neonatal nurses.

The Karen Booth Memorial Foundation aims to realise that ambition by raising money to train nurses for the posts.

Miss Booth's funeral takes place at the South Chapel at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton, next Friday, at 12.15pm.

In lieu of flowers, her family have said contributions could be made to the foundation.

Contact Trish Walker at the hospital on 01273 696955, ext 4195.