A chef who helped set up one of Margate's best-known seafront restaurants has died.

Rachel Seed, who opened Great British Pizza on Marine Drive with partner Lisa Richards in October 2012, was diagnosed with a brain tumour 13 years ago.

Great British Pizza began as a business in a VW Campervan, with its last stop being at Margate's Harbour Arms during the summer of 2012.

In a tribute to the 45-year-old on Great British Pizza's Facebook page, it said: "It is with a sadness too vast for mere words that we have to announce the loss of our founder, our mentor, our boss, our friend and GB Pizza’s inspiration, Rachel Seed.

"We are devastated and broken.

"She lived life to the full, despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour 13 years ago.

"She defied every prognosis thrown at her, and during that time she opened an award-winning gastropub, helped other restaurants change the direction of their business, spotted and trained talented young chefs, and, alongside Lisa Richards - her life and work partner - set up GB Pizza.

"We will be remembering and celebrating her incredible life on Tuesday, January 15.

"Rest in power, Rachel."

In a further tribute, Lisa Richards - Rachel's wife - said: "I have too many words, but not a single one of them is adequate to describe Rachel, who was one of life’s exceptional human beings.

"She was my rock. My inspiration. My partner-in-crime (in work and life). My travel companion. My best friend. My wife.

"She lived life to the full, despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour 13 years ago.

"She defied every prognosis thrown at her, and during that time she opened an award-winning gastropub, helped other restaurants change the direction of their business, spotted and trained talented young chefs, and, alongside me, set up GB PIZZA CO."