The body of a pilot missing after his aircraft crashed into the sea has been found.

Simon Wells, 44, from Greatstone, was found inside the largely-intact aircraft on the sea bed.

He had been missing since his Cherokee plane came down off Winchelsea beach, near the Kent-Sussex border, just after 5pm on Saturday, August 6.

A huge search and rescue operation involving two coastguard helicopters and lifeboats was launched in the aftermath, but called off in the days that followed.

Police said following last Wednesday's discovery, a complex operation involving specialist Ministry of Defence marine staff was needed to recover the aircraft safely.

The wreckage was pulled from the sea on Sunday and taken to the shore at Newhaven.

It has since been passed to the Air Accident Investigation Branch, which is looking into the cause of the crash.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination on Mr Wells' body was carried out today, but further tests are needed.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The body of the pilot was also taken ashore at Rye and a postmortem was carried out on Wednesday (17 August) at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

"The cause of death was not established and further tests will be carried out, but the death is still not being treated as suspicious.

"An inquest is expected to be formally opened and adjourned in the next few days and the coroner's officer will be continuing enquiries.

"The family of the pilot have been kept informed of all developments."

Mr Wells' loved ones have asked for privacy while they grieve.

Following the crash, his brother Anthony Wells released a photo of him on behalf of his family, showing him with a Lightning aircraft at an air display.