“She had an infectious buzz of energy, and brought joy to every conversation.”

That was how a Carlisle supermarket manager described his colleague, Janet McElrone, after police confirmed her death yesterday.

Janet, 51, from Eden Street in north Carlisle, was reported missing on December 23.

An an extensive search of the River Eden and the surrounding area was mounted, but failed to find her.

On Saturday January 11, a passer-by discovered a body on the shoreline at Cummertrees, near Annan on the Solway Firth.

Police confirmed yesterday that the body recovered from the Solway had been identified as Janet.

At the Marks & Spencer store in Carlisle where she worked, store manager Craig Corrin said her friends at the supermarket will remember her “for the warmth that she brought every day”.

“She had an infectious buzz of energy and brought joy to every conversation and was loved by our customers – her genuine care and interest gave many locals a reason to pop in on a daily basis,” he said.

“She would often wear hints of her favourite colour – yellow – which was fitting to the brightness that she gave to those around her.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with her friends and family during this difficult time.”

The news of Janet’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with a number of people commenting on how she brightened up their visit to Marks & Spencer.

Ron Kirkley said that it was “always a pleasure to be served by her in Marks and Spencer,” while Angela McVelia described Janet as having “the brightest smile in M&S”.

“My thoughts are with her family,” she added.

Others expressed their condolences to Janet’s family, including Emma Clegg, who said it was “heartbreaking news”, adding that “hopefully now her family and friends can find some closure.”

Elaine Wilson said: “Thinking especially of Janet’s family, friends, and work colleagues, who will all be heartbroken at this news.”