New Brighton sea death: Woman who died was 'loving mother'

Christine Robinson, pictured with her sons Oliver and Niall, has been described as a "loving mother"

A woman who died while trying to rescue her dog in the sea had a smile that "could brighten up anyone's day", her family has said.

Christine Robinson, 57, was pulled from the water off Kings Parade in New Brighton on the Wirral on Monday.

Her son Niall, who was rescued after he also tried to reach the dog, has been discharged from hospital.

Ms Robinson's family described her as a "beloved partner, loving mother and heart-warming friend".

"Christine sadly died while walking her pet dog with her son Niall," they said.

"The dog was swept into the River Mersey on a slipway at New Brighton, and both Christine and Niall got into difficulty while trying to reach the dog."

Emergency services were called out to Kings Parade on Monday afternoon

The family said the pharmacy technician, who lived in from Eastham and worked at Boots in Chester, "had such a positive impact on every person's life".

"There are no words that can describe the emptiness we are all feeling following the tragic loss of our mum," her children added.

"The love and kindness that our mum showed us will help us to find strength in these difficult times."

The family also issued a "heartfelt thank you" to the RNLI, Coastguard, police and ambulance service "for their hard work during this tragic event".

A major emergency operation was launched after members of the public raised the alarm on Monday afternoon.

A spokesman for the RNLI said Ms Robinson and her son "were on the promenade by Portland slipway when their dog entered the water and got into difficulty".

Merseyside Police said Niall had been discharged from hospital, and the dog was safe and well.