ONE of the shining lights on the amateur stage in West Dorset has died after a battle with cancer - less than two months after her wedding.

Maggie Imber, aged 46, married Haydn Wright at Holy Trinity Church in Salway Ash on June 21 - having already been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

"She walked down the aisle with a chemotherapy pack on her back - that's how brave she was," her husband said.

Mrs Wright, a chiropodist who lived at Salway Ash, leaves two children, James, 23, and Jenny, 20.

Mr Wright led tributes to a "wonderful, caring woman" described by one local theatre director as the best amateur actress he had ever seen.

Mr Wright, an advanced driving consultant, said his wife was a hugely popular "very brave, very caring person".

"During her illness she was more concerned for other people than herself," he said.

Mrs Wright was a star member of the Chideock Players and director Nick Baker said she would be greatly missed. Her last leading role was in Habeas Corpus in April.

"She was a very accomplished actress - I think the best I have come across in the amateur theatre - I don't know how anyone else can step in and fill the breach," he said.

"She had an instinctive understanding of the roles she was playing. She was very talented - as well as being a very sweet lady."

Mr Baker said a highlight had been playing Rene to her Edith in their production of Allo Allo last year.

"It was the best fun we've had," he added.

Mrs Wright was also a leading member of Bridport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, rising from the chorus to take many leading roles, including that of Anna in The King and I which was her last major part.

Chairman Agnes McKenzie said: "She was a very, very loyal member and a great friend to all of us. I watched her develop from a simple chorus girl to a leading lady and also a very clever actress."

Mrs Wright was equally gifted on the sports field and played hockey for Beaminster Ladies for 14 years.

Their spokesman Kan Macksey said: "The number of superlatives you could use about her are incredible. She was very versatile and extremely popular - reliable and courageous, a good player."

Mrs Wright's achievements also including making a sponsored parachute jump and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. The funeral service will take place at Salway Ash at noon on Wednesday.