TRIBUTES have been paid to a missing man whose body was discovered on a Portland beach.

Nigel Day, aged 52 of Portland Road, Wyke Regis, had last been seen on March 3.

On March 5, a bag of wet clothing and personal items belonging to Mr Day were found by a member of the public on Chesil Beach.

Officers were concerned Mr Day had entered the water and come to harm.

A shoreline and offshore search involving the Portland Coastguard helicopter yielded no results.

As reported in the Echo, a body was recovered from the west coast of Portland at Hallelujah Bay on Sunday.

Following formal identification, Dorset Police has confirmed it is that of Mr Day.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "On Sunday March 15 at around 11.15am, the body of man was found washed up on the west coast of Portland, in a place known as 'Hallelujah Bay'.

"The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the body has been taken away for formal identification. It is believed to be the body of missing Weymouth man Nigel Day. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

"Officers are not treating the circumstances of this death as suspicious.

"Dorset Police thank the public for their patience whilst recovery of the body took place with the coastguard and ambulance services."

The local community has paid condolences to Mr Day's friends and family.

Mayor of Portland Cllr Rob Hughes said: "It's very sad when anything like this happens. The water is very cold at this time of year. I am glad that he was found and they were able to make a fast identity and bring closure to his family.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with his friends and family at this sad time."

Tributes for Mr Day were also posted on social media.

Lucie Runeckles said: "Condolences to family and friends. So sorry."

Paula Bolt said: "So sad may he be at peace now."

Tania Jones said: "So so sad. Thinking of family and friends at this sad time."

Cllr Sandra West said: "So sad, at least now his family will have closure, it must have been a very harrowing time for them and my thoughts are with them at this sad time."

You can leave your own personal tribute to Mr Day in the comments section below.