The brother of a woman who was found dead after she had been missing for five months says he had never given up hope that she would be found alive.

Doug Irving was speaking after the body of his sister - Susan Graham - was found by the river Eden.

He has spoken to the News & Star to thank the police and everyone who took the time to help find Susan, after numerous appeals were issued following her disappearance.

Susan was reported missing by her family in December, but the last known sighting of her was on November 20.

Her body was discover by the river Eden at Little Corby, near Carlisle, on Sunday.

Mr Irving, of Scotby, said: "As a family we lived in hope that we would find her alive. That was a hope.

"We always knew there was a chance we might not find her alive but at least now we have closure."

He said the last five months had been difficult, as they had no idea what had become of his sister.

"Every time the phone rang we wondered if it was the police with some news," Mr Irving recalled.

Susan, who was better known as Susan Irving, grew up at Barrock Park, Low Hesket. She was the eldest of four siblings.

She went missing from her home in Penrith on November 20.

Mr Irving said: "She was found on an island in the middle of the river.

"I am pretty sure she has been there since she went missing, as the rivers were in flood that week."

Mr Irving said they could now start to sort things out and empty Susan's flat.

He said: "It's all very sad but we can sort her flat now and we managed to rehome her dog which is good news.

"The appeal to find her was widely followed on Facebook. We would like to thank everyone who shared the appeal and helped look for her."

A private family funeral will be arranged at a later date.