The family of well-loved peninsula woman Karen Higgs have sent their heartfelt thanks after raising £1,766.71 in her memory.

Karen, who was a popular part of the Shotley Drama Group, staff member at Sainsbury and deeply loved by her family and friends, passed away in January aged 51.

Rather than flowers the Higgs family asked for donations and a charity collection made at Karen's funeral topped £1766 and will be shared between McMillan Cancer Care and the Air Ambulance.

Karens dad Robert Higgs on behalf of the family, including Lyn and Catherine, said: "We would like to thank each and every one of you, for your kind donations in memory of our beautiful Karen. It is very difficult to find the right words.

"We have been truly humbled by the outpouring of love for Karen, and the beautiful cards, flowers and support, we, as a family, have received.

"Our lives have changed forever, and we are currently dealing with life, one day at a time.

"But knowing the love and happiness that Karen bought to so many, leaving lifelong memories, is a great help."