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A 37-year-old woman choked to death on marshmallows after taking part in a challenge at a rugby club fundraising event, it is understood.

Natalie Buss collapsed and died on Saturday night at the event at Beddau RFC in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

It is believed she was on stage at the time.

In a statement, the club paid tribute to a "wonderful wife, mother and daughter" saying they had "lost a very dear friend".

It is believed it happened during a bingo fundraiser for the club's under-10s side.

South Wales Police said it was investigating.

Posting on Facebook, Beddau RFC said: "The club and the Beddau community are heartbroken.

"On Saturday night we lost a very dear friend who will be sadly missed.

"Everybody associated with Beddau RFC and within the community are nothing less than devastated at the weekend's tragic accident and we struggle to comprehend the sense of loss people are feeling."

"This said, we must acknowledge that our loss pales into insignificance in comparison to the loss of a lady who was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter to what was an absolutely tragic turn of events.

"As a club we send out our sincerest, heartfelt condolences to all the family, the close friends and to all those that this has so badly impacted - you are all in our thoughts today."

The club said there would be a one-minute silence before its games on Saturday.

Following the incident on the weekend, many clubs in the area responded on social media, offering their condolences.

The local MP, Alex Davies-Jones, posted online that she was "really sad to read this awful news".

"My heart goes out to all those affected and my thoughts are with their family and friends," added the Pontypridd MP.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it was also investigating as the health and safety regulator and the local licensing authority.