A NORTH-EAST radio star last night paid tribute to his older sister who died following a five-month battle with cancer.

Paul Gough, of Century Radio, said Angela O'Hara was the "ultimate sister".

Mrs O'Hara, 54, who died at her Hartlepool home last Thursday, was a community support worker at Hart Lodge, Hartlepool, and was well known in the town.

She leaves a husband, Tommy, daughters Claire and Leanne, and a granddaughter, Hannah.

Mr Gough, 42, said: "Angela was a devoted mother and was very much adored. She really was the ultimate sister and was my best friend.

"She was one of those people who seemed to touch everybody's hearts. She really was amazing and my life is never going to be the same again."

Mr Gough said his sister had lived in hope she would get better and made no fuss, getting on with everyday life.

He said: "I am from a family of nine and we are all just in shock.

"She really was a precious person and such a special lady."

Mrs O'Hara spent many of her last days in the Hartlepool and District Hospice, which Mr Gough has thanked for all its work.

The funeral takes place at 10.30am tomorrow at St Joseph's Church, Hutton Avenue, Hartlepool.

Donations can be sent to the hospice.