Family pays tribute to teen kayaker after body found

Cory Chilvers was described as "kind, loving, funny and thoughtful"

The family of an 18-year-old man who went missing while kayaking has paid tribute to their "loving and kind" son and brother.

Cory Chilvers was reported missing on Sunday afternoon after his inflatable kayak was seen capsizing by a member of the public, who called the police.

On Wednesday, Norfolk Police confirmed a body had been recovered from Middle Level Main Drain in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King's Lynn - where Mr Chilvers was last seen.

The force said formal identification was yet to take place.

The search to find Mr Chilvers was stood down when a body was found on Wednesday

"We would like to pay tribute to our son, our first heartbeat, Adam's big brother, Brianna's love, grandson, nephew, cousin and to our friend Cory Chilvers, who we lost tragically on 28 July," the family said in a statement issued by police.

"We will always remember him as a kind, loving, funny and thoughtful man who was dedicated to his family, Brianna and his animal family; Alma, horse DeeDee, dog Nylah and cat Sooty.

"He was a great friend to so many and touched the lives of many more. He will be forever missed by all who knew him."

The family also thanked the emergency services involved in the search – including specialist search dogs, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Lowland Search and Rescue.

The inflatable kayak Mr Chilvers was seen using was recovered on the day he went missing.

Police said the death was currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and a file would be passed to the coroner.

The stretch of water known as the Middle Level Main Drain, was formed in the 17th Century to drain parts of the Fens.