THE children of a 'one-of-a-kind' mum who died in her sleep have been registered homeless after facing eviction from their family home.

William, 18, Ringo, nine, and Tilly, six, lost their mum Cheryl Dixie, 42, on March 27 and are now appealing for help in keeping the property, on Ullswater Avenue, in Orford.

The children's father, and Cheryl's ex-partner, Paul Lewis, says he has tried to liaise with Golden Gates Housing Trust, part of Torus Group, to allow him to take over the tenancy - but has been forced to register his family homeless.

In a petition, set up by Paul's niece, the family are asking for as many signatures as possible in a plea to Golden Gates, after being told they must vacate the property within 28 days.

As part of the petition, which has gained more than 2,000 signatures in under 24 hours, Ellie said: "My uncle Paul has been trying to arrange Cheryl's funeral as well as trying to sort out taking over the tenancy for her house, as the children want to continue living there as it's where all their friends are and most importantly there precious memories of mummy live.

"Golden Gates has told my uncle they have 28 days to vacate the house, how does he tell his children this after all the heartbreak already?"

Cheryl and 40-year-old Paul were together for more than nine years, but had separated in the past 18 months leaving Cheryl the named tenant on the family home.

Paul, who previously fitted furniture in student accommodation, left his job after Cheryl's sudden death last month and has now moved in with his children.

Remembering Cheryl, Paul said: "Cheryl was full of life, and had a lot to say.

"She was one-of-a-kind, a loving, caring mother.

"She had a lot of friends, and everybody was really upset hearing the news - it is just so sad."

A spokesperson for Torus said: "We have spoken to the children's father and explained the options open to him with a view to providing some reassurance at this sad time.

"Matters relating to any tenancy are part of a formal legal contract and subject to a strict process.

"We fully appreciate the sad circumstances the family is going through and are working closely with them to find a solution which would ideally result in the family remaining in their existing home."

The petition can be found at change.org