The body of tragic Lea-anne McClunie, 33, was found following the fire in High Street, Irvine.

As reported in last night's Evening Times fire ripped through the building before 5.45am.

It's believed she was unable to escape the blaze because metal shutters were locked down over the front of her Allure Boutique.

Lea-Anne realised her lifelong dream of hosting her own fashion show last year, to boost funds for the Ayrshire Hospice, who had cared for her father Laurie.

A note at the scene from friend Erin McDermott read: "You had a heart of gold and gave me some of my best memories. You were an angel and were always thinking about others."

Another emotional card, believed to be from Lea-anne's sisters, Kirsty and Jenna, said: "The angels have taken you too soon."

It's not known why Lea-anne was in her boutique so early.

A workman who was helping clear the wreckage said: "The shutters were down, which was why she couldn't get out. It's a terrible tragedy.

"There were candles in the boutique, which may have had something to do with the fire."

Fire crews called to the blaze carried Lea-anne from the property, but she later died at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.

Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are investigating the cause of the blaze.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a severe fire with heavy smoke logging. Our crews quickly rescued a female casualty and brought the fire under control."

A Strathclyde police spokeswoman said investigations were continuing but the fire was not believed to be suspicious.