A grandfather was found dead covered in a plastic sheet in a woodland, an inquest has heard

Wayne Woodgate, 54, was reported missing on October 17 and was last spotted in the Goods Station Road area of Tunbridge Wells.

His body was found six days later on October 23, next to the A268 Peasmarsh, East Sussex.

An inquest into his death was opened today (November 7) by assistant coroner Alan Blundson at Oakwood House in Maidstone.

The court heard how police officers discovered the 54-year-old face down covered with a plastic sheet and leaves.

Mr Blundson told the court officers believed the site is not where he had died.

The assistant coroner gave a medical cause of death as “compression of the neck” and the full inquest was adjourned until March 27 while police carry out their inquiries.

Wayne’s son, George, paid tribute to his father, describing him as "a dedicated family man who brought joy and warmth to everyone he met".

A GoFundMe appeal was also set up to help cover the costs of his funeral and give him a "Wayne-style send-off".

George, 30, said the family felt "utterly robbed" by his death.

"He was taken from us much before his time. There was still so much left for him to do and be a part of, experience and achieve," he added.

"We are devastated by this tragic loss and cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow."

Wayne’s eldest son, Glenn Goldsmith, said: "He was a face of Tunbridge Wells that everyone knew and everyone will miss."

Stephen Castle, 59, has been charged with his murder and is expected to stand trial in April.