TO mark the one-year anniversary of the death of a Clifton man who drowned in a river, a memorial bench has been installed by his family and friends close to the spot where he died.

Jason Cadd, who lived with his parents in Brickle Place in Clifton, was found by his father face down in the River Ivel in Stanford Lane on June 15 last year.

The 35-year-old, who was known locally as Caddy, had disappeared from his home two days before he was found to go for a walk.

Mr Cadd regularly went for long walks by himself, and his father had gone out looking for him when he did not return home.

It is believed that Hitchin-born Mr Cadd, who suffered from epilepsy and asthma, may have blacked out before falling into the river.

Up to 40 family members and friends of Mr Cadd gathered on Saturday to officially unveil a bench in his memory, close to where he died.

“He used to go cray fishing there all the time,” said friend Alan Turner, who lives in Shefford.

“The bench is a gesture from all his friends and family.

“He was a character in the village. Everyone knew him.”