Tributes have been paid to a mother-of-two found strangled in her home at the weekend.

Gaynor Brockwell's husband Gary, 48, has been charged with her murder and appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Monday October 10.

Friends and neighbours have spoken of their shock at the death of Mrs Brockwell of Osward, Courtwood Lane in Forestdale.

The 46-year-old was mother to Garry, 26, who is in the Parachute Regiment, and Gemma, 21, who works at a nearby pub.

A friend of Mrs Brockwell said the couple were very involved in the community and participated in fundraising events to raise money for Help the Heroes.

She last saw them on Friday evening, at the Coach House pub in Chelsham.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "They were out on Friday night with friends. They seemed fine, everything was normal, I am in complete shock.

"Gaynor was a really outgoing person, she was very easy to get on with and had lots of friends. She was quite a laugh when she was out. Gary was quieter, he is very hard-working and sociable, but is not a very loud person.

She added: "Everyone was aware they broke up a few times and had only recently got back together."

Police officers were called to their property in Forestdale by London Ambulance Service at around 5.25am on Saturday, to reports of a an assault on a woman.

Paramedics battled to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be asphyxiation.

Sarah Jones worked with Mrs Brockwell for ten years at Sainsburys in Warlingham.

Paying tribute to her former colleague she said: "The news of her death is shocking and upsetting. She was always bubbly and conscientious, juggling her work life with that as a mother to Gemma and Gary."

Another colleague Karen Brown added: "This is such terrible news. Gaynor was a lovely, fun, happy, great to be around lady. This tragedy has shocked many people and her loss will be felt all over.

"My heart goes out to her children and family. She is gone but never forgotten."

One neighbour, who did not want to be named said: "The first I knew was when the policeman knocked on the door asking if I saw or heard anything.

"People are quite friendly around here and I used to say hello to the lady when I saw her going to or from work in her Sainsburys uniform. It is a real shock, especially as there was that murder a few years ago and it is quite a good area here."

Another neighbour added: "I know the couple well. What has happened is a real shock and is very sad."

Gary Brockwell was remanded in custody to re-appear at the Old Bailey on October 12.