A much-loved dad who went missing weeks before Christmas was found dead by dog walkers on Boxing Day, an inquest has heard.

Luke Brown had last been seen by his partner in the early hours of December 5 leaving his home in Tenterden Drive, Canterbury, before being spotted seven miles away in Chilham at 9am.

A missing person appeal was launched by police and shared by thousands of people. But the three-week search for the 31-year-old came to a tragic end when his body was discovered in woodland near Perry Court Farm in Wye, near Ashford.

An inquest into the scaffolder’s death was opened at Oakwood House in Maidstone this morning.

Coroner Catherine Hepburn said the owners of Perry Court Farm had been on a Boxing Day walk in the area when they spotted a backpack, which belonged to Mr Brown.

Not long after, they found him dead and called the police. Officers attended the scene where they identified Mr Brown.

The coroner said police had considered him to be a “high risk” missing person. The manner in which he was found suggests he took his own life.

In tributes posted following the tragedy, Mr Brown was described as a “good lad” and “wonderful chap”, with dozens of people expressing condolences to his family.

A full inquest into Mr Brown’s death will be held on April 11 at Oakwood House.

Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives.

When life gets tough, talking can help.

Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.

For details about other mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, please visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth