AN inquest has been opened into the death of a kayaker who went missing while canoeing in the River Usk in the Brecon Beacons.

Gareth Lockyer, of Warwick, was reported missing after he came out of his kayak on the Usk near Llangynidr just after 1pm on Sunday, February 9 - sparking a massive search operation.

At the opening of the inquest, at Brecon Law Courts on Thursday, February 13, PC Martin Follows said the 34-year-old's body was recovered from the side of the river, about 15 metres from where he had gone missing.

PC Follows told the acting Powys coroner, Andrew Barkley: "He was canoeing with eight others who reported he had come out of his canoe and they had lost sight of him.

"A search was started by police and mountain rescue team this had to be suspended on Sunday due to darkness and was resumed on Monday morning.

"At approximately 11.15am the police helicopter located the body on the side of the Usk about 15 metres from where he had been lost from sight."

Sergeant John Davies, of Brecon CID, said detectives are due to travel to Warwickshire to collect statements from other members of the canoe club who Mr Lockyer had travelled to the area with.

Mr Barkley said it is likely the inquest will be resumed in three months time.