TRIBUTES have been paid to a 45-year-old Whalley hairdresser who has died after a long battle with cancer.

Mother-of-one Debbie Louise Keighley, who passed away in Clitheroe Community Hospital, has been described as 'glamorous and fun-loving' by family and friends.

The former Whalley Primary School pupil was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year.

Family members said she remained positive throughout her illness and was looking forward to opening a new salon in Longridge.

But in January she was diagnosed with secondary brain cancer and she died on September 21.

Claire Turner, who worked with Debbie for more than four years at the Definitive Hair salon, Whalley, said: “She was always really bubbly and kind and a very good hairdresser who will be missed by everyone.

“It was always fun working with her and she never complained about her illness. She was just such a nice person.”

A funeral service held at Christ Church, Chatburn, was attended by more than 150 people and £1,100 was raised for Breast Cancer Care via donations.

Her sister-in-law Faye, who is married to Debbie’s brother Nicholas, said: “She was absolutely stunning and very glamourous and we will all miss her dearly.”

On leaving Moorland School in Clitheroe Debbie pursued a career in hairdressing and opened her first salon in Oswaldtwistle, called Zigzags. She later opened Definitive Hair in King Street, Whalley. She also taught hairdressing at Nelson and Colne College.

Debbie is survived by her mother, Mrs Marlene Keighley, daughter Charlotte, brothers Nicholas and Russell and sister-in-law, Faye.