Monica did die in blaze

Cheslyn Hay pensioner Monica Hughes did die in the Cornish hotel blaze it was confirmed today.

The 86-year-old had been classed as missing since the August 18 fire at Newquay's Penhallow Hotel but identification of evidence found inside confirmed she died.

An inquest was opened in Truro, Cornwall, today. Mrs Hughes was on holiday with son Peter Hughes, 43, who died after trying to save her. He jumped from the third floor after being heard shouting "I can't move my mum".

Mr Hughes, head of physics at Weston Road High School, Stafford, lived with his mother in a bungalow in Glenthorne Drive, Cheslyn Hay.

Her other son, John, and daughter Pat Albutt, a teaching assistant at Cheslyn Hay Sports and Community High School, today said Mrs Hughes was a devoted mother who was active and well-respected.

Mrs Albutt said: "Our mother will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

"On behalf of our family, I would like to thank the emergency services, both from Devon and Cornwall and in Staffordshire, for their support and kindness during this very difficult time."

Mrs Hughes, thought to have lived in the village for more than 40 years, attended a bingo club at Hawkins Sports & Social Club, Coppice Lane, Cheslyn Hay, several nights a week.

She attended strawberry teas at her son's school and helped organise lifts. The other person who died was Joan Harper, 80, of Stoke-on-Trent. More than 80 people escaped from the fire.

The cause is being probed.