The heartbroken parents of a photographer and actress from Dudley have paid tribute to their talented daughter, who died earlier this month age 26.

Steph Oakley, a member of both Wall Heath Camera Club and Wordsley Amateur Dramatic Society, passed away on November 3rd. She would have turned 27 tomorrow and was also due to move into a new house with her boyfriend of five years Neil Brookes.

Steph, who worked as a receptionist at Midtherm Flue Systems in Dudley, had arrived home and had just taken a photograph of her cat Toots when she passed away. Her parents say they “couldn’t be more proud” of their daughter and insist that she was 'perfectly fit and well' at the time she died. Her Mum, Gill, said:

"It's awful, but we're so glad she didn't suffer and happy that she had so many lovely people in her life. We couldn't be more proud of her. She's our hero."

Steph’s funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Kingswinford, on Monday November 27 at midday.