A FAMOUS former X Factor singer has paid tribute to a young Port woman who tragically passed away this week.

Nicholas McDonald said he will always remember superfan Stephanie Hurrell with a smile on her face.

He met Stephanie at Yorkhill Hospital in 2014 after she underwent heart surgery.

Stephanie, along with her friends, also arranged for the star to headline at a charity concert in Inverclyde the following year.

She became seriously ill and died in hospital on Tuesday night following heart and organ failure.

Nicholas said: "Heaven gained another angel, our Stephanie Hurrell.

"She was a massive fan of mine and followed and supported me all over the country.

"You would always see her with a massive smile on her face - and the patter to match as well.

"She was always first in the queue at all my gigs and was always a massive support to me."

Stephanie was born with serious heart problems but unexpectedly became very unwell two weeks ago.

She was rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital and later transferred to the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank, where she passed away.

Her devastated family, dad Andrew, mum Angela and younger sister Jacqueline, are trying to come to terms with their terrible loss.

There has been an outpouring of support for the family with hundreds of people passing on their condolences and best wishes on social media.

Nicholas, who also posted a video of him singing in tribute, said: "I was very blessed to meet Stephanie at the start of my X Factor journey.

"You will sorely be missed Stephanie from all of us.

"We love you angel."

Stephanie's funeral will be held at St Francis' of Assisi Church in Port Glasgow on Monday February 24 at 9.30am then onto Port Glasgow Crematorium for 10.30am.

Stephanie had told her family that she would like mourners to wear pink at her funeral and any flowers to be pink and white.

Her dad Andrew has thanked local people for the support they have given his family/

He said: "Thank-you very much to everyone for all your kind words of support."