Emotional tributes have been paid to a much-loved Maidstone woman found dead on Christmas Eve.

Kayleigh Caesar, 28, was discovered late in the evening of Saturday at The Dragoon pub at the corner of Sandling Road and Hope Street where she lived.

Kayleigh's mother, Clare Parslow, who took over as landlady in January, paid an emotional tribute to a woman she said had touched the lives of so many.

She said: "Kayleigh's view of life was simple: Make people happy and help others less fortunate than yourself. To this end she had worked tirelessly over the years in various old people's rest homes offering comfort and help to those in need.

"Outside of work, she led a social life much of which revolved around The Dragoon public house where she lived.

"Her many friends and locals have been touched by her infectious sense of fun with the sound of her laughter never far away. But sometimes the pressures of life can be cruel and a shining star of beauty and goodness has been extinguished.

"She will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all her family and friends. Rest in peace Kayleigh."

Friends and family have also taken to social media to pay their respects.

Nephew Marcus Holness, said: “You’ve left us all in bits Kay, I feel let down by myself I promised you it was us against everything and anyone.

“You didn’t realise how much you meant to us.”

Vikki Baldock said: “Going to miss her so much, feel like my heart is completely broken.”

A police spokesman said: “There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”