A WOMAN has been charged with the murder of her mother.

The body of retired New Forest teacher Rosemary Armstrong, 69, was found stabbed to death on August 25.

Mrs Armstrong worked as a teacher at Fordingbridge Junior School for 12 years, leaving in July 2001.

The former PE teacher moved to the Salisbury area about 40 years ago and lived in Sandy Lane, Redlynch, for about 35 years, regularly attending the local church and the Redlynch History Society meetings.

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Her daughter Ecila Henderson, 39, faces the murder charge after Mrs Armstrong's body was discovered outside a block of flats in Queensland Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth.

Ms Henderson will remain in secure accommodation until appearing at Winchester Crown Court again next year.

Mrs Armstrong's other daughter Fiona Henderson, 41, described her mother - who was known as Elaine - as a beautiful, elegant, courageous and compassionate woman with a devilish sense of humour, who lived for her children and for other people.

"She was always thinking of others before she thought of herself and was very selfless."