An inquest has opened into the death of a woman whose body was found in the sea near Whitstable.

Daphne Harrison, 67, was discovered in the water on December 9. Emergency services descended on the beach near The Sportsman pub, and Ms Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene.

A number of floral tributes were left near the spot where she was found.

One read: “We will feel so lost without you in our lives. I will miss you so much, words can never say.”

At an inquest opened at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, the cause of Ms Harrison’s death was given as “immersion in water”.

The hearing was adjourned until March 28.