FAMILY and friends of a young mum who killed herself last year have paid tribute to her and offered advice to others struggling to cope with a relative's drug addiction.

Claire Prodanovic, of Pedmore Close, Woodrow, said although her best friend Leila Williams had problems with a heroin addiction, she was "a lovely person".

Miss Williams, 26 was found dead by a neighbour in November after she hanged herself at her Crabbs Cross home.

But Mrs Prodanovic said: "Fair enough, she had a problem but Leila was lovely and lived life to the full.''

The 28 year old said she had known Leila for 20 years and the young mum was outgoing, loved life and always tried her best to help other people.

She said Leila had become involved with drugs about four or five years ago but had tried to kick the habit, attending meetings which Claire accompanied her to.

"The worst thing is the guilt, the feeling you could have helped a little bit more," said Mrs Prodanovic.

"If I was to give some advice to somebody who loved a best friend like I did, you cannot blame yourself, you just have to keep on trying and let them know you love them."

And Leila's younger sister, Milissa Cooper, 25, of Winforton Close, Winyates, said she had always supported her.

"She was always on the end of the phone, Leila was at my wedding and for the birth of my son," she said.

"She was always there for us. She got into trouble with the police but as far as I'm concerned, she was a lovely, caring person who looked after her sisters."

Mrs Cooper said she had also lost a brother to a drugs addiction and advised anyone in Leila's position to remember there were people who could help.

"And for anyone who has a sister in my sister's position - be there, be on the end of the phone to talk to them."