The partner of vet receptionist Karin O'Rourke, who died suddenly last week, says he has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and sympathy he has received.

Michael O'Rourke, 71, of Massey Road, Devizes, said: "It is lovely to know so many people cared so much about Karin. I thought she was a wonderful person and it is comforting to know so many others thought so too."

Mrs O'Rourke, 54, who took her partner's name and thought of herself as a second mother to his two daughters Katherine, 32, and Rachel, 34, died in her sleep on May 18.

Mr O'Rourke, who is retired from the painting and decorating business he ran for many years in Erlestoke, said: "It was a total shock.

"She had a long-term heart condition but was no longer receiving any treatment for it."

Mrs O'Rourke had worked at Estcourt Vets, Devizes since 2000 and was known for her caring attitude towards both pets and their owners.

Her partner of 20 years is now expecting a big turn out of her clients and friends at her funeral at 12.15pm on June 5 at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington.

He and his daughters have taken some comfort by choosing music they knew she would approve of and songs will include Moon River by Andy Williams and Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. The service will be followed by a wake at Devizes Sports Club in London Road where everyone will be welcome.

Mr O'Rourke said: "We had been together for 20 years and we both loved each other so much. We met originally walking our dogs. Our favourite place to go was Rock in Cornwall and we should have been going back in a couple of weeks time. I won't be able to face it now.

"She loved her home and kept it immaculate. I am struggling to keep up to her standards but I hoovered under the bed the other day as I knew she would have wanted that."

Mrs O'Rourke grew up in Devizes and before joining the vet's practice worked at Rangebourne Pets in New Park Street.

The couple's spaniel Millie is missing Mrs O'Rourke but their two terriers are coping better.