TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Colwyn Bay illusionist who lost her battle with cancer.

Jayne Loughland died peacefully aged 49 at Glan Clwyd hospital on June 28, after her treatment for secondary breast cancer was unsuccessful.

Mrs Loughland was well known for her work in pantomimes across North Wales, as well as performances all over the world with her husband, Stuart Loughland, as an illusionist double act named Safire.

Mr Loughland said his wife had recovered from breast cancer six years ago, but was told it had returned just over a year ago.

He said: "Jayne never told anyone she was ill, she was quite a private person and she didn't want to worry people.

"She was having treatment for it but unfortunately hers got round it and it took over in four or five days - she performed until two weeks back, she was very brave.

"I've got a million memories of her - She was always laughing and she had a lovely smile.

"She went to see Lionel Richie the week before she died. She'd been looking forward to it for ages and she really enjoyed it."

Mr Loughland spoke fondly of his and his wife's Safire performances, which saw the couple travel all over the UK - as well as to countries including Ukraine, America and Germany - and work with stars such as Peter Kay, Ken Dodd, Joe Pasquale and the Chuckle Brothers.

In addition to Safire Mr and Mrs Loughland, who married 25 years ago, set up a company called Magic Light Productions which has produced many shows and pantomimes for venues including Rhyl Pavillion and Theatr Colwyn.

Gareth Owen, manager of Rhyl Pavilion, said: "I was very saddened to hear of  Jayne Loughland's death. 

"I first met Jayne in 1985 when working on Holiday Showboat at the then Prince of Wales Theatre in Colwyn Bay. 

"She was throughout the fourteen week season a consummate professional and as well as being part of a magic act with her brother she also sang and danced in the full cast production numbers.

"She later met and married Stuart Loughland and they became a very successful magic double act.

"The couple also produced pantomimes very successfully and Jayne performed in Goldilocks at Rhyl Pavilion as recently as May this year.

"She was a true professional and a thoroughly nice person too. My thoughts are with Stuart and Jayne's family and many friends."

Sarah  Ecob, general manager at Venue Cymru and Theatr Colwyn, said: "Jayne had worked with Theatr Colwyn and Venue Cymru for many years.  Along with her husband, Stuart, she produced the pantomime at Theatr Colwyn for the last 4 years.

"We all enjoyed working with Jayne who was wonderfully creative, a great entertainer and a joy to work with.

"She was always happy and had a ready smile for everyone from fellow performers, to staff working in the building, to the children who perform in the panto every year.  We will miss her enormously.”

Mrs Loughland's funeral service and committal will take place at Colwyn Bay Crematorium on Friday, July 15 at 11.45am.

Family flowers only - donations in memory of Jayne accepted towards Cancer Research UK - Breast Care Awareness.