A PENSIONER has been charged with the murder of Nelson mum Mandy Houghton.

Alan Fare, 72, of Victory Close, Nelson, was charged by detectives following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and is due to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Ms Houghton, 58, was pronounced dead at her home, also in Victory Close, after being found unresponsive with head injuries at 11am on Wednesday.

A subsequent Home Office post mortem examination showed she died as a result of head injuries.

Earlier today Ms Houghton’s family paid tribute to the "much-loved Mum, sister and grandma."

They said: "She was a happy soul that wouldn't hurt a fly. She has been taken from us too soon and is going to be deeply missed.”

Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis, from the force's major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts remain with Ms Houghton's family and friends at this awful time. They continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

"A man has now been charged but our investigation is very much ongoing and we continue to ask anybody with information about her death to get in touch."

Anybody with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting log number 411 of June 3rd.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.