The devastated family of a Workington girl who lost her five-year battle with cancer have paid tribute to their "beautiful, brave, precious princess".

Mum Helen Johnson, dad Martyn Shutt and brother Alfie, nine, have spoken of their grief after Emily's passing on Friday.

Helen said: "Losing a child is devastating, there are no words to describe it.

"Emily was able to light up a room, she was always smiling, singing and dancing."

Emily, seven, of Railbank Drive, died following complications during an operation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle to replace a port under her skin through which she received chemotherapy.

On Saturday, Martyn broke the devastating news through a post on Facebook page Emily's Journey, the online diary of Emily's battle which is followed by over 2,300 people.

Details of the funeral are yet to be arranged but the family said they will ask people to wear pink or purple and they would like the day to be a party to celebrate Emily's courage.

Helen said: "This is the party Emily sadly never got for the end of her journey. She never got to ring the end of treatment bell, so we want something where our princess can be a princess."

Emily's story has touched the heart of many across West Cumbria, who have paid tribute to her courage.

Alison Jolly, of Workington, said her and her son John consider the Shutts as their own family.

She said "Emily was the bravest, most courageous little girl I know and I'm privileged to have spent a lot of time with her. I have lots of happy memories with her and her mum and I will keep those close to my heart forever."

Helen said the support received from family, friends and strangers had been overwhelming.

She said: "A lot of people have changed their profile pictures to a photo of Emily or a purple butterfly in her memory. The support has been amazing and we'd like to thank everyone.

"We have to learn how to live our lives without Emily, we've got to start a new journey."