4 November 2012 Last updated at 07:18 ET

Carol Cooper death: Son charged over Clacton murder

"Carol's radiant smile was always something we looked forward to seeing," said her brother

A man from Essex has been charged with the murder of his mother.

The body of Carol Cooper, 66, was found by police after they forced entry in to her flat on St Vincent Road, Clacton, about 19:00 GMT on Friday.

Mrs Cooper, a mother-of-three, was declared dead at the scene. Peter Dickson was arrested at the premises.

Mr Dickson, 37, a carpet fitter who also lives in St Vincent Road, will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Jeremy Ballam, Mrs Cooper's brother, who lives in Blythburgh, Suffolk, said her death had hit the "whole family like a sledgehammer".

"Carol was an awesome sister and a dedicated mother who loved her children.

"She was a fun-loving lady with a such a cheeky sense of humour and always ready to have a laugh with the whole family.

"Carol's radiant smile was always something we looked forward to seeing," he said.