Tributes have been paid to a “legend” who was found dead in a river at Clifton last week.

Friends and family have paid their respects to Jason Cadd of Brickle Place, Clifton whose body was discovered in The River Ivel near Stanford Lane shortly before midday on June 15.

The 35-year-old, know locally as Caddy, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

A Facebook page set up in his memory has been a focus for those paying their respects.

Wayne Summerfield posted: “Heaven has its first angel with the phrase ‘alright Burt’. You were a top bloke with a top heart. R.I.P fella.”

Lucie Lyon wrote: “We have lost a great person. Rest in peace babe u always had a big heart with that big smile u will be sadly missed darling.”

“You will be sadly missed by everyone you had contact with because you made them all smile,” Ben Davies said.

Katie Turner wrote: “Thanks for everything you did for us, my patios still standing strong! I went down the river where we all used to play on the rope swings where it’s so peaceful. Have good memories and always will. Also Clifton pig farm where we all used to knock about. You always made me laugh, and the memories will always make me smile.”

Sharon Robson said: “Cad you were a legend, that laugh could melt the coldest heart. You were the most kind hearted and thoughtful person I have ever met. So many memories but I’ll always remember your smile, your laugh, our holidays to Norfolk and your fireman’s lifts! Gone but not forgotten big man.”

An inquest was opened on Friday to determine the cause of death. The Bedfordshire coroner is awaiting toxicology reports and an adjournment date for the hearing has yet to be fixed.