CHESHIRE police have confirmed the body of a man found in the River Dee on Thursday, June 6 is that of missing Penyffordd pensioner Colin Purton.

In a statement, police said: "Shortly after 6am on June 6, the body of a man was discovered in the River Dee.

"Formal identification has now taken place and we can confirm that it is Colin Purton, aged 78, who went missing from his home in Penyffordd on May 22.

"Next of kin have been informed.

"There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file will prepared for the coroner."

The sad discovery follows an extensive appeal by North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary, assisted by members of the public.