An inquest has been opened into the death of a Chatham man who died while fishing overnight in freezing conditions.

Martin Hoskins, 48, of Paggitt Street, had been fishing on the River Medway near East Peckham on Friday, February 3, when temperatures dropped to -6.

He was found dead in his tent by a member of the public on Saturday morning.

Police were called to the scene, near to Stilstead Farm, off Tonbridge Road, at 9.40am.

A police spokesman said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Hoskins worked at Lipscomb car dealers in Aylesford as a valeter.

A colleague, who did not want to be named, said: “He was an exceptional valeter, one of the best and highly thought of by everyone, a great friend whose death has shocked everyone. He was a fantastic bloke that would do anything for you.”

A spokesman for West Kent Coroner’s office said the cause of his death is unknown at this stage.

An inquest was opened and adjourned last week and a full inquest will be held at a later date.

Did you know Mr Hoskins? Leave your tributes below or call the newsroom on 01634 227828.