Tributes have flooded in for a 'positive and caring' borough councillor who died suddenly yesterday.

Katy Coleman served as a Ukip councillor on Swale council, representing Milton Regis, since 2015.

The 45-year-old moved to Sittingbourne from Penzance, Cornwall about eight years ago to be with husband Paul.

Last night, Swale Ukip posted a touching tribute on Facebook.

It read: “I am very sorry and sad to inform you that Katy Coleman, our Ukip councillor for Milton Regis ward on Swale council, died this afternoon just before 4 o’clock.

“Katy was a lovely young lady; please give her a moment or two of your thoughts at this very sad time.

“She was greatly loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by all. RIP Katy.”

It is understood Katy suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Ukip's leader on Swale council, Cllr Mike Baldock also paid respects to his "friendly and honest" colleague.

“Katy was a really positive and caring person who was really excited about standing for Ukip in 2015, even though she didn’t expect to get elected,” he said.

“When she won her seat she was immediately eager to start getting involved with her local community.

“Katy was always concerned about the impact of rule changes and service cuts on people and wanted the best for everyone around her.

“She will be greatly missed by the Ukip group in Swale and by many of the other councillors with whom she built up a strong friendship because, at the end of the day, what most stood out about Katy was her friendliness and her honesty, and her loss is one many of us and her residents will feel desperately.”

Cllr Lloyd Bowen (Con), who represents Teynham and Lynsted, added: “I knew Katy as a member of a number of the committees we sat on and found her to be very enthusiastic, constructive and overall just a nice pleasant person who was willing to chat, not only about council matters but other things as well.

“I will miss her in the council chamber and at the various committee meetings we shared and send my deepest condolences to her fellow councillors, constituents and, above all else, her family.

“Rest well Katy, you were taken too soon.”