THE family of a 'much-loved' diver who went missing nearly three months ago off the Cornish coast has paid tribute after his body washed up, writes SWNS reporter Filipa Gaspar.

Grandfather Andrew McKnight, 76, failed to resurface during a dive around St Anthony Head near Falmouth, on Sunday, September 22.

A major search was carried out over several days but later called off.

On Sunday (December 8) a body was located on Portholland Beach which has since been identified as Andrew of St Austell.

His family said: “Andy was a highly qualified diver and dive instructor and his death has come as a great shock to all who knew him.

“He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather and he will deeply missed by all his family.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the south west diving community, Devon & Cornwall Police, the RNLI, the Coastguard and all others who gave their time to search for him for the past 11 weeks.

“As a family we ask for privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”