Tribute has been paid to a shop manager who died suddenly earlier this month after a short illness.

Teresa Stephens was manager of the Cornwall Farmers branch in Callington and had worked for the company for almost 25 years.

She died, aged 55, on January 9 at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

Teresa started work at the farming co-operative in 1981, joining as a sales assistant at the Liskeard branch before leaving in 1984 to start a family. In 1991 she returned to Cornwall Farmers as sales assistant at the Callington branch eventually becoming shop manager in 2009.

Matthew Hodge, spokesman for Cornwall Farmers, said: 'Teresa Stephens was a hard-working and well-respected person who was passionate about her customers, challenging of her colleagues but always made time for people and had a great sense of humour. That is how the team at Cornwall Farmers remember her. Teresa will be remembered fondly by everyone at Cornwall Farmers.'

Her funeral was held on Thursday last week at St Winnow Church.