A fisherman from Addingham who was found dead in the Lake District has been described as a ‘loving and caring man’.

Police divers found the body of Mark Bryant, from Beamsley, at around 7.30pm on Wednesday after a 30-hour search in and around Ullswater involving Cumbria Police, the coastguard and Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team after the 55-year-old had failed to return to his campsite after a fishing trip.

And his partner, Colette Munro, who was on holiday with Mr Bryant when the incident happened, said he died in a place that he was fond of.

“Mark was a loving and caring man and the family can take some comfort knowing that he died in a place he loved,” she said.

“He loved the lakes and particularly loved Patterdale where he had holidayed for the last seven years. He had a real passion for the countryside.

“He loved camping and as a keen fisherman, liked being around boats and water.

“He was a sensitive, complex and loving family man – and was very creative. He was a very good artist and also loved music and playing the guitar.

“On behalf of the family I’d also like to say thank you very, very much to Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, the Coastguard and Police who have been extremely helpful, sensitive and supportive.

“Losing Mark has left a huge hole in all of our lives and we now need time to come to terms with our grief.”

Mr Bryant’s daughter, Cherry Bryant, added: “He was a caring and loving father who was extremely proud of his two children. I feel at peace that it happened in the Lakes as this was where his heart was – and where he felt at home.”

It was Miss Munro who raised the alarm after Mr Bryant was last seen at about 1.30pm on Tuesday.

The search began and police dogs found Mr Bryant’s dinghy, although it was the following day before police divers using sonar equipment located his body in the eight-mile long lake.

Cumbria Police say there are currently no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Bryant’s death.