THE family of a kayaker whose body was recovered from the River Usk have paid tribute to a 'kind, caring, gentle' man.

Gareth Lockyer, who lived in Warwick, was reported missing by friends he had entered the water with on Sunday, February 9 - sparking a massive search operation.

That ended at 11.20am the following day when the 34-year-old's body was located and recovered from the swollen river.

A family statement read: "Gareth was a keen kayaker, mountain biker and hill walker.

"Gareth had never been in that section of the River Usk before but he was excited about coming to Wales.

"Gareth was always watching out for other people, putting others before himself and he has been described by his family as being kind, caring and gentle.

"The family wish to thank all of the emergency services involved in searching for him, and ask for privacy at this devastating time."

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