THE mother and sister of a young musician and writer whose body was found in a river have paid tribute to "a sensitive, kind and very genuine individual".

The body of 24-year-old Andrew Owen, from Sittingbourne, was discovered in the River Medway at Rochester after he had been reported missing from home.

In a statement issued through Kent Police, his mother, Marylyn, and sister, Natalie, said: "Andrew was a hugely loved son and brother and played a very important and special part in our lives.

"He was a sensitive, kind and very genuine individual. He was our rock after his father died last October and was always there for us. We are immensely proud to be his mother and sister.

"Music was Andrew’s life. After getting his first guitar at the age of eight, he formed a rock band and they dreamed of being famous rock stars.

"At the age of 14 he wrote and presented a music composition on stage with a professional band at the NEC in Birmingham after winning a competition, which featured on BBC television.

"He continued to play and write music in several bands and gigged up and down the country, travelling in a beaten-up old van.

"He finally achieved his goal of a music production degree at the University of Kent in Canterbury in 2006 and was well known on the local music scene.

"We will always treasure his music and the memories of how happy he was when he was playing and writing."

The statement added: "This past month has demonstrated to us how loved and respected Andrew was within the local community and much further afield.

"We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all those who actively searched for him, made huge efforts to spread information via the internet, put up posters, and supported us so much during this difficult period.

"We would especially like to thank the police and the Missing People charity for all their help, advice, and kindness."

Mr Owen was last seen on Saturday, January 12, at around 6.45pm at the Red Lion public house in Sittingbourne High Street. His body was found on Monday, February 4.

Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.