A “colourful and bubbly” mother who spent more than 10 years working at a coffee shop in Ashford town centre has died aged 40.

Abigail Hargrave, from South Ashford, had been battling bowel cancer for a year.

The former North School pupil, who has a 17-year-old son, started working at Muffin Break in the County Square when it first opened.

She had planned to return to her role as a supervisor after taking time off last year to receive chemotherapy treatment, but she died last month.

Originally from Guildford in Surrey, she moved to the town with her family when she was 18 months old.

She grew up near the town centre with her parents, Marion and Victor King, who have described their daughter as a “happy go lucky person".

After leaving the North School, Mrs Hargrave went on to study a catering course at college.

“She was the most perfect person I knew..." manager Tatiana Kasprisinova

She spent the majority of her time working at Muffin Break in the shopping centre but also enjoyed cake baking and visiting National Trust sites in the county.

Her brother, Marshall King, who worked at the coffee shop with his sister, paid tribute to her.

The 42-year-old said: “She was very colourful and very bubbly, even though there are two years between us, we were like twins, we were very close.

“The amount of customers who are missing her is unbelievable, she was always smiling and keeping all the customers happy.

“I came back to work the next day after she passed away as she wouldn’t want me to sit at home.

“We are a big family here, we support each other quite well.”

Muffin Break manager, Tatiana Kasprisinova, says Mrs Hargrave will never be forgotten.

She said: “She was the most perfect person I knew, she never had a problem and she was so lovely.

“She would never say no and would always help everyone - she was my left and right hand.

“I can’t believe she has passed away, she will stay in my heart forever.”

Mrs Hargrave’s funeral - which was attended by family, friends and former customers - was held at the Charing Crematorium on Tuesday.