Flowers have been left at the lake where tragic triathlete Paul Gallihawk's body was found as his loved ones issue a touching tribute to him.

Standing proudly at Leybourne Lakes just before setting off on a fateful triathlon, this is one of the last pictures of the 34-year-old.

It was released by his family yesterday afternoon as they recalled a caring and genuinely funny man, who will be sadly missed.

Mr Gallihawk went missing on Saturday when he set off on the Ocean Lake Triathlon sprint series, held at Leybourne Lakes country park.

But when he failed to emerge from the 750-metre swim element of the race and his bike was left waiting for him the alarm was raised.

Tragically a body was discovered yesterday morning. It was Mr Gallihawk's first triathlon and he was raising money for Kings College Hospital, who cared for his dad, Malcolm.

Kent Police said the tributes were being released by his family "following the discovery of his body".

In a statement Mr Gallihawk's dad Malcolm, mum Linda and brother Nick said: "Words cannot express how we feel and what Paul meant not only to us but to all of his family and friends.

"Paul was a brilliant son and brother to Nick – he would do anything to help anyone and would always put them first. He had such a caring nature and will be sadly missed by all the family, extended family and friends.’

Nick added: "Paul was the most caring brother and best friend I could have ever asked for."

His girlfriend of five years, Hayley, said: "He was the most amazing and thoughtful partner. He was incredible in every way and he always put others before himself. I loved him to bits and always will."

Friends of the recruitment consultant from Maidstone, also recalled Mr Gallihawk's humour.

In a statement they said: "Many of us have known Paul since we went to school together and we are all completely heartbroken. He was a genuine and honest man – he was the funniest person in the world, without being funny.

"Paul was a Tottenham fan and had recently set up and managed Whitehawks FC. It had only been running a short while but Paul was the main reason the team managed to win the league and the cup.

"He was always positive, doing good for others. He was more of a brother than a friend.

"As part of his triathlon, Paul had a Justgiving page – this was what he was all about – and it has continued to receive donations since he was last seen on Saturday."

The Ocean Lake Triathlon writing on its Facebook page said: "We are all deeply saddened by the death of a participant of Saturday's Sprint Triathlon.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this very difficult time."

Television presenter, Vernon Kay, took to social media to pay his condolences to the family.

The Apprentice winner and Sky News contributor Michelle Dewberry also tweeted about the tragedy.

Police are currently preparing a file for the coroner.

In just a few hours on Bank Holiday Money Mr Gallihawk's JustGiving page has gone from £1,800 to more than £12,000 as people, shocked by what's happened, pledge money to his cause.

Mr Gallihawk had initially hoped to raise £300 for the hospital's charity arm, but had already secured £400 by the time he took his place at the starting line.

His family said funeral details would be shared with family and friends in due course.