THE family of Peter Bebbington have paid tribute to a “very caring person” who has left a void in their lives.

The body of the 34-year-old was found in a wooded area a week after he had been reported missing from his home in Langley Court.

His mother, Alison Bebbington, said: “Peter will be sadly missed by a lot of people he was a very caring and happy person. A lot of people loved Pete including his good mates, and of course us his family.

“He has left a large void in our hearts and in our lives.”

Peter, who was 6ft 4ins tall, had been suffering with depression and was in a lot of pain following an operation on his back.

Mrs Bebbington added: “He had been suffering with extreme back pain for years and only recently had undergone surgery on his back trying to relieve the pain but unfortunately the operation not only didn't work but made his back pain worse.

“He never let the pain from his back interfere with his mood, and no matter what he could still have a laugh and crack a joke. We will miss his infectious laugh.”

She added: “He was a massive Man Utd supporter as is his dad and his 2 brothers. Our hearts are broken, especially mine.”

Peter's father, Stephen, along with his siblings and cousins, joined searches organised by the community in the days after Peter was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday, August 11.

Dozens of people searched parts of the Port in searches coordinated from the Gunners Arms pub.

At the time, Alison said she and her family had been overwhelmed by support from people in the town and members of the Pride in the Port Facebook group.

She said: "I am just so grateful to everyone, it has been lovely how everyone has pulled together."

Yesterday (Friday, August 23) a Cheshire Police spokesman confirmed that the body found had been identified as Peter's.

A member of the public discovered his body in a wooded area near New Bridge Road in the town shortly before 9.30pm on Saturday.

The spokesman added: "His family are aware. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner."