SHE had never been so happy.

Nikki Impett met Anthony Hilton at a barbecue and they fell deeply in love. She had told family and friends they would marry this year.

However, 19 months on and 31-year-old Hilton is beginning a life sentence for the murder of the woman he adored.

"When it's right, you know it's right," Nikki had told her mother of the whirlwind romance.

Just three months after the meeting in May 2000, she moved into Hilton's house, in Sparrow Hall Drive, Darlington. Her parents, Mike and Gina Impett, had advised her to keep her house, in Trevithick Close, "just in case" but she had been certain.

"They had everything they wanted. They had just bought a new car and had been on holiday to Crete," said her father.

Her body, which suffered multiple stab wounds, was found by police on the morning of August 17, last year, at her parent's home, in Winchester Way, Darlington.

Hilton was arrested that morning and in a police interview next day he admitted responsibility. He could provide no explanation as to why - other than being on drugs and feeling paranoid.

Nikki had known that Hilton - who worked as an electrician at The Northern Echo's Darlington offices - had served nine months in prison for stabbing a former girlfriend in the arm.

However, Joanne Dunn, who worked with Nikki at Orange's Yarm Road offices, in Darlington, said of her best friend: "She would never have judged anyone. She wasn't bothered about the fact he had been inside."

Mr and Mrs Impett said they found Hilton "strange", but he made Nikki happy and there was no indication of the violence he was capable of.

"He was into drugs, even while he was with Nikki, but she protected him and didn't tell anyone about it. She thought that she could help him and that he would change," said Mr Impett.

Nikki, 27, was born in Fleetwood, Lancashire, and lived there until she was 17 - gaining a European Languages Diploma.

The family, including her brother Chris, moved to Darlington ten years ago when Mr Impett got a job as a production manager.

Remembering Nikki, Joanne, 24, said: "She was such a laugh, good fun and really witty. But she was also a great friend, really supportive. Most people got on with her really well."

She said that Nikki was "over the moon" after meeting Hilton, who proposed in September 2000.

"They were planning for the future, and they were at that stage where they just wanted to spend all their time together. She was a rock. If I had to write a list of the people who had made a difference to my life, Nikki's name would be at the top, and I would underline it."

Nikki will be remembered as a caring and loving woman, with a real sense of fun - tragically, all of the elements which drew Hilton to her.

Mr Impett said: "He (Hilton) has ruined so many lives. Life is upside down for us now."

"We were and are still just, very, very proud of her. She is always with me," added her mother