THE husband of missing Redmarley woman Kate Prout has been arrested and charged with murder.

Adrian Prout, 46, was arrested at his home on Tuesday morning and taken into custody at Cheltenham Police Station to be charged, before appearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.

Kathleen Prout, known as Kate, was reported missing on November 10, 2007 and was last seen alive on November 5, 2007.

The police say no body has been found.

Crown Prosecution Service spokesman Ann Reddrop said: "We have been working closely with the police over the past months to investigate all aspects of Mrs Prout's disappearance before reaching a final decision on charging.

"We have also sought advice from Leading Counsel. Accordingly, we have this week authorised the police to charge Mr Prout."

Senior investigating officer Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Kelly said: "This has been a complex, thorough and necessarily lengthy investigation to bring us to this point.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those affected, especially Mrs Prout's friends and family, for their understanding, tolerance and patience."