TRIBUTES have been made to a talented young artist who was found dead in his County Durham flat.

Everett Dickinson, affectionately known to family and friends as Ratso, was found dead at his home in Byerley Court, Shildon, on Monday, April 10.

The 34-year-old died from liver failure after battling with alcoholism and depression for the past two years.

His sister Carrol, 30, who lives in Evenwood, paid tribute to the brother she looked up to as her best friend.

She said: "We were very close. When we were younger, we were inseparable. I would always tag along with him. Most older brothers would tell you to get lost, but he never minded.

"He loved to dance. No matter where we were, he loved his music and he would always get up and dance.''

Miss Dickinson said that her brother had loved his job mounting and framing pictures at Cameo Fine Arts, in Bishop Auckland, and later at The Art Shop, in Darlington.

It was after he lost his job that he became depressed.

She said: "He was really talented and he lived for his job.

"He has done pictures of my children but he mainly did landscapes."

Friends are asked to meet at St John's Church at 9.15am tomorrow for Mr Dickinson's funeral, which will be followed by cremation at Darlington Crematorium.