The funeral of The Only Way is Essex cast member Peri Sinclair's mother took place today.

Mandy Fowell, 49, died after an accident at her home in Abridge during storms on February 7.

She suffered an initial leg injury after a brick barn collapsed, but died later after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Ms Fowell and her daughter own card shop Bizara, which has premises in Goldings Hill, Loughton, and Crown Street, Brentwood.

The shop was featured in TOWIE when 22-year-old Peri chatted with Lucy Mecklenburgh.

Fellow traders described her Ms Fowell as "friendly" and "generous".

Nigel Clarke, who runs The Hair Company next door to the Brentwood store, said: “She was a big part of our community

“She was very bubbly and outgoing and very community minded, she cared about all the shops in Crown Street.”

Alison Applegate, who owns Racquets in Crown Street, said: “She was very generous and helpful.

“She helped us out with a fashion show and gave us some name cards completely free, she also made a sign for the street to direct people off the high street into Crown Street.

“She’s really friendly and nice lady but that doesn’t seem adequate to describe her.”

Tony Rowlinson who manages Cartridge World in the street remembered how Ms Fowell bought him biscuits to thank him for not charging her for printing.

He said: “I was very upset when I heard that she’d passed away.

“She was a very nice lady and will be sorely missed, I’ll miss just chatting with her.”

Tributes to a "unique" lady have gone up in both stores which are currently closed for the funeral.

A sign reads: "In loving memory of our dear friend and colleague Mandy Fowell who will be sadly missed. 1965- 2014."