The husband of a young Saltash woman has paid loving tribute to his 'angel' who lost her battle with cancer this week.

Joanne Evans, 24, who was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer in June, died peacefully on Tuesday at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

'I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to have met Jo,' said her husband, Jamie Evans, 28.

'I have never met a girl who has made me laugh so much.'

The couple were due to be getting married in October 2008 but when Jo was diagnosed with cancer in June they brought forward the wedding. They married in what Jamie and friends have described as the perfect day, at Boringdon Hall, Plymouth, on July 27, 2008.

'It was the perfect day. The weather had been bad all year, but we had the hottest day of the year and Jo did amazingly well,' said Jamie.

The couple had been together for five-and-a-half years after meeting in Destiny's nightclub in Plymouth.

Jo was given six months to live in June but she was determined to live life to the full and she wanted to spend one last Christmas at home with her family.

'She had been so determined to get to Christmas for us,' said Jamie.

'She even managed to get everyone great Christmas presents, even though she wasn't well, by shopping online.

'Unfortunately, that was her last day at home and she went back into hospital on Boxing Day morning.'

Jo died 12 days later with Jamie at her bedside.

Friends and family, many who have tattoos in memory of Jo, have been paying tribute to the former Saltash Community College pupil.

Jamie said: 'One of her friends said that when she died on January 6 it was like the end of the 12 days of Christmas.

'I wanted to be with her at all times and it is just so frustrating that I couldn't help her.'

Joanne had requested that no-one wear black at her funeral, which will take place on Monday at St Stephen's Church, Saltash, at 2.45pm.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Research UK through the Earl of Plymouth Funeral Directors, Plymouth.

Friends and family wanting to pay tribute to Joanne can call the Cornish Times newsdesk on 01579 342174.