Tributes pour in for beautiful Melanie Gowler – outside catering manager at Skylark in Wimblington

Dozens of messages of support and condolences have been posted to a social media site following the death of a well-loved businesswoman.

News of the death of Melanie Gowler, the outside catering manager at Skylark Garden Centre in Wimblington, was posted on the Skylark Car Boot Facebook page prompting an outpouring of love for her.

Melanie, known by all as Mel, sadly died on Sunday.

The post said: “It is with great sadness, that on Sunday we lost Melanie Gowler (owner of the snack bar). Our thoughts are now with Edward and their family. If you would like to leave kind memories for the family to read please do. R.I.P Mel, you'll be sadly missed.”

Mel was married to Skylark owner Edward Gowler, and the couple had four children.

Nearly 100 messages of condolence have been posted with many describing Mel as a “beautiful person”.

Others described their shock at the news and sent their thoughts to her family.

Among the comments was one that read: “So sad Mel was a lovely lady always had a laugh and chat on car boot she will be sadly missed thinking of Edward and family.”

Another said: “Mel was one of my first bosses and was always so supportive and encouraging of me to follow my dreams and to do a job I enjoyed. I have such fond memories of working Christmas markets with her. My thoughts are with her family during this hard time.”

While another added: “So incredibly sad. I would always admire how she always gave the youngsters a chance in the catering vans. A great role model. Thoughts with her husband and children.”

And another said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, Mel was such a kind person who always had time to listen, I will really miss her. RIP Mel.”