A fitness instructor has died from Covid-19 – just days after her mother was also killed by the disease.

Debbie Trotter, who ran classes at schools and other venues across the New Forest, including Totton and Eling Community Centre, died on Monday.

Her mother Margaret succumbed to coronavirus last week in the first of two devastating blows to the family.

In a statement the community centre said: "We would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Debbie Trotter and her beloved mum, who have both died in hospital due to Covid-19.

“Debbie ran Clubbercise at the centre and other venues and was always so lively and energetic. She will be missed by so many."

Staff at Applemore Health and Leisure Centre, near Hythe, added: "Debbie would light up any venue with her bubbly personality and had an incredible zest for teaching.

"Debbie’s great love was teaching zumba classes and one of her greatest moments was meeting the founder and creator of the zumba programme, Beto Perez, in 2016."

Scores of people have taken to social media to pay tribute, describing her as a "lovely lady" with a "zest for life".

One of her Totton customers said: "I went regularly to Debbie's zumba classes and clubbercise - great fun sessions that always made me leave with a smile on my face."

Another woman added: "She made keeping fit fun.

"Such a lovely lady with the biggest heart, taken far too early in awful circumstances. May she rest in peace and dance with the angels."

People who went to her Applemore classes have also paid tribute.

One person described her as "one in a million", adding: "You put smiles on so many faces. The attitude you had to life was like no other. You definitely made your mark on it and changed so many lives along the way."

On her Facebook page Debbie described herself as a "global lover of life", adding: "Fun and energetic. I love dancing, travelling and being with nature."