Mr Bryant's body was found by search teams in Ullswater

The family of the man who died on Ullswater has thanked rescuers for their efforts.

Mark Bryant was described by his partner as ‘a loving and caring man’. Colette Munro, who reported the 55-year-old missing when he failed to return from a fishing trip on the lake, said: “He loved the lakes and particularly loved Patterdale where he had holidayed for the last seven years. He had a real passion for the countryside. He loved camping and as a keen fisherman, liked being around boats and water.

“Mark was a loving and caring man and the family can take some comfort knowing that he died in a place he loved.

“He was a sensitive, complex and loving family man – and was very creative. He was a very good artist and also loved music and playing the guitar.

Mark Bryant

“On behalf of the family I’d also like to say thank you very, very much to Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, the Coastguard and police who have been extremely helpful, sensitive and supportive. Losing Mark has left a huge hole in all of our lives and we now need time to come to terms with our grief.”

Mr Bryant’s daughter Cherry Bryant added: “He was a caring and loving father who was extremely proud of his two children. I feel at peace that it happened in the Lakes as this was where his heart was – and where he felt at home.”

A police underwater search team found the body of the man, from Beamsley, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday after a 20-hour search on and around Ullswater.