THE body of a missing Hereford man has been discovered on a Bristol Channel beach.

Police confirmed the corpse found by a dog walker last Thursday morning at Brean Down beach in Burnham-on-Sea was that of 20-year-old Ryan Taylor.

Mr Taylor, of Raven Walk, Newton Farm, was last seen on Christmas Eve walking along the River Wye towpath towards Hunderton.

His family said they felt an immense loss, but also spoke of their relief at being able to say a final farewell to him.

"We are all devastated at losing Ryan, who was so special and had so much to live for," they said.

"His loss to us at such a young age is immense and he will never be forgotten. However, we are so relieved he was found. It gives us the opportunity to say goodbye and lay him to rest."

The family went on to thank many sectors of the community, including the police, media and Ryan's many relatives and friends.

"We are grateful for the love and help we have received from our family and friends, particularly Ryan's friends, who we know are crest-fallen about the news as we are," they explained.

"We would especially like to thank the family of Ryan's girlfriend, Hannah, for all their comfort during this unbelievably dreadful time.

An autopsy at Bristol Hospital proved inconclusive and an inquest into Ryan's death has been opened and adjourned by HM Coroner in Taunton.

The family has announced that a funeral service for Ryan will take place at St Martin's Church, Hereford, on Monday, February 9, at 2pm.