A MAN will appear in court today accused of killing mental health worker Ashleigh Ewing.

Ronald Dixon, 34, is alleged to have stabbed the 22-year-old support worker to death at his home, in Newcastle, on Friday.

The body of Miss Ewing, who worked for the charity Mental Health Matters, was found in the kitchen of Mr Dixon's terraced home in Eighth Avenue, Heaton, at Friday lunchtime.

Officers made the discovery after calling at the house shortly after a man walked into Clifford Street Police Station, in Byker, Newcastle, and told them there was a body at a house in Eighth Avenue.

Tributes have been paid to the Northumbria University graduate, who lived with her father and 19-year-old sister in Hebburn, South Tyneside.

Her parents, Aileen, 46, and 50-year-old Jeff Ewing issued a statement saying: "Ashleigh was cherished and admired by her loving family and friends.

"She was a wonderful role model for the youth of today, as she was unmaterialistic, unassuming and full of care and compassion for others less fortunate than herself.

"The family will remember her with love, pride and joy.

"Her tragic loss is hard to bear, but Ashleigh's spirit will live in our hearts forever."

Miss Ewing worked for Mental Health Matters since December, in what was her first full-time job since graduating with a 2:1 degree in psychology, last July.

The charity's chief executive, Ian Grant, described her as "hugely passionate" about helping others.

Mental Health Matters was formed by a small group of North-East carers in 1984 to provide individual solutions for people suffering mental illness.

Mr Dixon will appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court today, charged with Miss Ewing's murder.