The family and friends of tragic mum Teresa Innes were today preparing to say their last goodbyes.

The former care worker, who died in hospital following an allergic reaction to penicillin, was described by her aunt as "a beautiful person" who had her life "snatched away".

Police have launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of the 38-year-old, who had sought treatment at Bradford Royal Infirmary for an infected insect bite.

An inquest has heard how medical staff gave Teresa penicillin before a planned minor operation in September 2001 - despite her wearing a wristband warning of her severe allergy.

Health chiefs have already admitted the drug was administered "in error".

The mum-of-one suffered a massive heart attack which left her in a coma from which she never recovered. She finally died on August 9 after one of Britain's top judges gave the hospital permission to stop feeding her artificially.

Tributes were today paid to Teresa, of Ternhill Grove, Bradford, whose funeral was taking place at Fixby Cemetery in Huddersfield.

Her aunt Sheila Innes said: "Teresa was beautiful person. She was a lively, bubbly girl."

She added: "She always had a smile for everyone and would plod on if ever things got tough."

Mrs Innes said she was still angry about her niece's fate and was consulting solicitors over action against the health authority.

Mrs Innes explained how Teresa - who gave up care work to raise her son - had been planning to return to her chosen profession. "Caring was what she loved to do," said Mrs Innes.

"She would give her last of anything to anyone."

Fighting back the tears, Mrs Innes told how past two years had put a terrible strain on Teresa's family.

"It has been so traumatic and we are all now just trying to take one day at a time.

"However, when Teresa is laid to rest it is not over. We still have the inquest and police investigation to go through."

But she said the fun-loving mum would have not wanted the funeral to be a sad affair and mourners were urged not to wear black.

"It is going to be a celebration of her life," said Mrs Innes.

"She would not have wanted us to cry but obviously we have been doing a lot of that.

"Teresa loved life and loved a party and will have wanted everyone to do the same."

She said the service was to open to Bette Midler's ballad Wind Beneath My Wings.

"As well as a tribute from a son to his mother, we felt this would also act as Teresa's tribute to those who have cared for her over the last two years."

The service was to close to one of Teresa's favourite songs, Aswad's Don't Turn Around.

Although she said the family were bitter about those responsible for Teresa's death, she paid a warm tribute to the medical staff who cared for Teresa since she fell into a coma.

"We would like to thank everyone on Ward 1 who were absolutely flawless.

"After she passed away we said they could have a last moment with her and many of them were in tears."

She said staff from the ward had been invited to attend the funeral at noon today.