A body found in woods is that of a man who went missing several months ago.

A man’s body discovered in Pilots Wood, near Shoreham, Sevenoaks, on Sunday, November 2 is that of Bernard Coomber, police have confirmed.

He went missing from his home in Larkfield Close, Sevenoaks, in January 2009.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner. An inquest was opened and adjourned on Thursday, November 5.

Mr Coomber’s sister, Anne Langridge, issued a tribute and thanks through Kent Police.

She said: “The news that Bernard’s body had been found was something we had been expecting for a long time but it still came as a shock to us. All the time we didn’t hear anything meant there was a little bit of hope.

"Bernard was a quiet man who lived alone but he is missed and will continue to be in our thoughts.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us, especially family and friends, and those people who came forward with information when Bernard first went missing.”

Kent Police thanked the media and public for their support with the missing person appeal.