The family of a grandfather whose body was found after he went missing from his home have paid tribute to their 'hero' who held the family together.

Paul Perkins disappeared from his home in Tunbridge Wells on May 28 and, despite an intensive search, he was found dead in the Shrublands Court area of the town by a member of the public on Saturday.

The 58-year-old mini-cab driver's daughter Katy Perkins had previously spoken of how her father had been struggling with the coronavirus lockdown and its impact on his usually busy social life.

His family have expressed their thanks to everyone who had helped with the search for the widowed father-of-three and donated to a fundraising appeal.

In a tribute given to KentOnline, Mr Perkins' family said: "We are utterly heart broken to be writing this, Paul is such an incredible man who had such a great impact on everyone he met, they speak about how much of a happy, generous and funny person he is.

"He arranged so many gatherings to bring people together and allow them to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

"Our family want to thank everyone for their kind words of support and donations. Paul is our hero who has held our family together through thick and thin, providing us with all the laughs that got us through tough times.

"We hope you get to rest now with your soulmate, and we will continue to be the close family we have always been for you. Our hearts are broken to see you go but also so full of the love you have for our family. We take comfort that you are with the love of your life in heaven which is rid of any darkness in this world.

"The memories you have created with your grandchildren, children, family and friends will live on forever in the form of our memory, photos, videos and our values we have for life. So you can now rest with Debbie who you have been longing to be with.

"We love you, with all our hearts and want to thank you for everything you have taught us and the bursting love you have given us."

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells