TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular singer whose death will ‘leave a huge hole’ in the community.

Ali Rigg, who died suddenly at the weekend aged 48, has been described as ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely talented’ by friends who have lined up to praise her.

Born in Barrow, she grew up in Walney and sang in a number of bands, later leading music sessions for people with neurological conditions.

Friend of 30 years Shaun Blezard said Barrow’s music community was in mourning.

Paying tribute, he said: “Ali was one of our brightest lights, encouraging our community to find its voice and to sing from the heart.

“There are thousands of us that didn’t believe we could sing but Ali always believed in us and we found our voice through her.

“She brought a tremendous joy to the world, to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting and working with her.

“That someone who gave so much of herself to the community felt the need to suspectedly end her life is heartbreaking.

“That her unique voice won’t be heard again leaves a huge hole in our lives."

He added: “On a personal level Ali has been a part of my life since Bert pushed us together at a night in The Queens on Rollo in the early 90s.

“Though we never stayed together romantically she was my best friend and soulmate and I will miss her with all my heart.”

Showman Gary Bridgens said: “Ali was a uniquely talented woman undoubtedly blessed with the finest vocal I ever, ever heard.

“Her passion and energy was astounding."

He said she was ‘a beautiful person with a heart as big as her voice’.

“It’s no exaggeration to suggest that the world has lost a significant voice,” he added.

Ali sang in bands and made up part of the Ulverston-based arts company, Welfare State International.

She ran the Headstrong in Song singing groups for people with dementia and similar conditions last year at Dalton Community Association.

John Hall, a community artist, said: “When I first came here Ali was someone that I heard about from everyone.

“They said ‘you have to meet Ali Rigg, you have to hear Ali Rigg’.”

“You heard the admiration and love that people had for this great singer, this enormous personality; you heard the pride people took in knowing her.

“She did some incredibly valuable things with that voice and with the spirit behind it.

“I feel lucky and proud to have known her and to have played and worked and laughed with her.”

Ali’s friend’s daughter Cherie Speers said: "Ali was such a gentle and unique spirit with her own philosophy on life and definitely made an impact on the way I see the world.

"She was one of my mum's best friends and has been in my life for the past 25 years.

"Her voice was as unique as her character. You're at peace now lovely lady."

Among others paying tribute was Rachel Ashton, who described her as ‘inspiring’.