A FORMER Radcliffe woman who helped launch a thriving promotional company after a successful career in showbusiness has died suddenly while on honeymoon.

Mrs Vivienne Amy Kitto, (45), who will be better remembered by many local people under her maiden name of Law, took ill while on a cruise ship near New York. She died later in hospital.

Her sudden death came less than a month after she married her fiancee Jeff in Edgbaston, where the couple lived.

Vivienne, pictured left, was born in Radcliffe and attended St John's primary school and Stand Grammar. She was the daughter of the late Amy and Jack Law. For many years, her father was company secretary at the Radcliffe Paper Mill when the family lived in Outwood Road.

Vivienne was a pupil at the local Lupino School of Dancing and later became a qualified teacher. She subsequently entered the world of showbusiness and was a dancer in numerous theatrical shows all over the country.

Vivienne also secured film work and was a dancer in the Absolute Beginners film musical, set in 1950s London. She later worked as a dancer aboard various cruise ships.

After an accomplished showbusiness career, Vivienne and her husband launched their own international promotional business. Clients included Jaguar and other "blue chip" companies.

She and her husband, who had known each other for many years before they married in August, had earlier been to Europe on their honeymoon before sailing to New York. She died after going into a coma.

Vivienne leaves several cousins living in the Bury and Bolton area.

A memorial service will be held next Friday, October 18, at St George's Church, Edgbaston.