A HEARTBROKEN son has paid tribute to his mother following her death in a house fire.

Freda Thompson, who was 88, died following a blaze at her home in Barningham Road, Newsham, near Richmond, on January 24.

An inquest into her death has now been opened and adjourned and her grieving son Mark paid a moving tribute.

“My mum was a lovely person who loved nothing more than doing her garden and chatting to people,” he said.

“She was loved by everyone who knew her and we are absolutely devastated that she has been taken from us by such a tragic event.

“Her death has left a big hole in our family and she will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.”

Fire investigators believe the fire a week ago was accidental and caused by an electric fire.