'He was so loved': Family pays tribute to Wigan man found dead after going missing

The family of a man from Wigan found dead 10 days after going missing have paid tribute to him.

A huge search operation was launched after David Edmonds disappeared on October 20. Police released numerous appeals and CCTV images of the 55-year-old former factory worker in a bid to trace him.

Tragically his body was found in water near to Horrock's Flash in Platt Bridge, Wigan on Wednesday afternoon.

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Today (Saturday) speaking on behalf of the family, his wife described David as a happy chap and well-loved by his family, friends, and workmates.

She added: "He was a hard worker and worked all his life. His first job was with his father at a local factory, and he worked there from a young age up until recently.

"He was a big Everton supporter and loved going to the matches. He held season tickets since he was a child. David liked all sports and watching anything with a ball, cricket, football, and rugby, especially Wigan rugby.

"He also liked horse racing; we would go to the races in York every year. He loved going on holiday and we travelled a lot together, we went to Australia, New York, Tenerife, and Benidorm.

"David was a big family man and adored his three nephews. He will be missed by all of us, he was so loved. We would like to thank the police and everyone who shared appeals on social media or went out searching for David."