A 15-year-old boy has paid an emotional tribute to his much-cherished mum who was found dead at her home in Barming.

Police were called to a house in Fernhill Road at 6.50pm on Friday.

The woman has been named as mother-of-one Heather Johnson.

Her son Cameron Piper, who lives with his father in Marden, is one of many to pay tribute to the popular 37-year-old.

He said: “My mum died just days after her birthday and I never got to say goodbye or tell her how much I appreciate her bringing me up for the first 13 years of my life.

“If I ever have kids they will not have a grandmother and my mum will never see me get married, get a job or buy my first car – those things hurt the most.

“After years of suffering her pain is over. Bye mum, I’ll miss you.”

Ms Johnson was a regular at Maidstone town centre nightspot, The Source Bar.

Manager Simon Welsh said: “She had been a long-serving customer for 11 years. She would be at every party night we had.

“It feels like we’ve lost a member of the family, so many people are devastated by the news.”

Ms Johnson grew up in Rainham and attended Rainham School for Girls before moving to Maidstone and taking up a number of part-time jobs in restaurants and bars around the town.

Hundreds paid tribute on social media and a group has been set up to share memories and photos.

Friend Luisa Parrett said: “Heather was taken from us too soon. She helped me through some tough times and I will never forget that.”

Another friend, Claire Bennett, added her condolences: “I still can’t believe that I’m not going to see that big beautiful smile, hear that infectious laugh or dance the night away with you again.

“Keep on dancing babe, love you.”

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Heather's funeral will be held on September 23 at 10.15am at Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Road, Maidstone.

Donations can be made online here.