Tributes have been paid to two Macclesfield residents who died in the funicular crash in Lisbon.

Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson have been confirmed as among the 16 people to have lost their lives in Wednesday's crash.

The news was confirmed by MADS Theatre, where Kayleigh served as theatre director.

 The theatre's post shared on Friday night read: "It is with great sadness that we must acknowledge the death of Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson in the Lisbon funicular tragedy.

"Kayleigh was a valued member of our society and made considerable contributions both to MADS and to drama in the North West. It is indeed a sad loss to all of us at the theatre.

"Kayleigh was an award-winning director and an award-nominated actress. She also undertook multiple crew and front-of-house roles at MADS. She was a past vice-chair, membership secretary and head of tech, but above all that, she was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.

"We wish to send our deepest condolences to both families, and to respect their privacy at this sad time. Our thoughts are with them."

Macclesfield's MP Tim Roca is among those to have shared his condolences.

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He said: "I was deeply saddened to learn that two much-loved members of our Macclesfield community, Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson, were among those who lost their lives in Wednesday's tragic funicular crash in Lisbon.

"Kayleigh was a hugely talented theatre director at MADS Theatre, where she poured her creativity, energy, and kindness into every production. 

"The moving tribute from the MADS team says it all, she was a dear friend to so many and will be greatly missed.

"Will, a lecturer at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, was equally dedicated to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation. I know his loss will be felt deeply by colleagues and students alike.

"My heart goes out to Kayleigh and Will's families, friends, and the whole MADS Theatre family as they come to terms with this tragedy."