'Kind and thoughtful' kayaker drowned - inquest

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

A teenager who disappeared while kayaking in a fenland waterway died by drowning, an inquest has heard.

Cory Chilvers,18, had been missing for three days before his body was found on 31 July after an underwater search of the Middle Level Main Drain in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King's Lynn.

The opening of an inquest into his death, held in Norwich, was told a pathologist determined Mr Chilvers' death was due to drowning.

A full inquest will take place on 8 January at Norfolk Coroners' Court.

The search to find Mr Chilvers was stood down in July when a body was found

Mr Chilvers, from Terrington St Clement, was spotted disappearing under the water by a member of the public when his inflatable kayak was seen to capsize on Sunday 28 July.

Divers from the Metropolitan Police were involved in the search for him.

His family described him as an animal lover and a "kind, loving, funny and thoughtful man" in a tribute released shortly after his death was confirmed by police.

"He was a great friend to so many and touched the lives of many more," they said.

"He will be forever missed by all who knew him."

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