A wildlife trust in Tunbridge Wells has paid tribute to its 'truly inspirational' founder who was 'one of the nicest people you could ever wish to know'.

Folly Wildlife Rescue announced in a statement online Annette Risley, who set up the organisation 18 years ago, died last Wednesday (January 13) aged 65.

Mrs Risley was the driving force behind the trust which started as a small centre in the back garden of her home where she lived with husband Dave, in Eridge

As the years went by and the numbers of animals and birds needing care kept rising, the centre was transformed it into the establishment we know today which cares for around 4,500 wildlife casualties each year.

In a statement online, Folly Wildlife Rescue said it is already working on a way to commemorate her life’s work with a wildlife garden and dedicated building to house bats, small mammals, and the love of her life, pigeons and doves.

It added: "She was not only a wonderful wife, mother, sister and grandmother, but our founder, our guide and our mentor with whom we all shared our love for wildlife.

"It became her passion to create a dedicated wildlife hospital for East Sussex, West Kent, and eventually beyond - and in 2012, her dream came to fruition with the opening of the Broadwater Forest Wildlife Hospital near Tunbridge Wells.

"The staff and volunteers at Folly have always known that the work they do is amazing, feeling an incredible sense of pride to be part of something so special - and we owe this to Annette.

"A truly inspirational figure, who touched so many people’s lives, she was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to know - and already, just a few short days after her passing, we are all struggling to come to terms with her tragic loss."

To find out more about the trust's work, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells