GRIEVING parents of a well-known Evesham DJ and quiz master have spoken of his worsening illness in the months leading up to his death this week.

Guy Gisborne, aged 54, was reported missing by his parents last Saturday. His body was recovered by police from the River Avon in Evesham on Tuesday after being spotted by a passer-by.

The discovery followed an intensive police hunt involving dogs and the force helicopter in and around the Evesham area.

Guy had worked as a DJ and quiz master throughout the Vale until March when he quit due to ill-health. He had suffered from anxiety since separating from his partner of 18 years, Lorraine and son Nathan, eight.

He was born in London and later brought up in Evesham before moving to Chipping Campden with his family. He returned to live with his parents in Alexandra Road, Hampton, after the breakdown of his relationship.

Guy began working as a DJ after serving as an apprentice compositor at the Evesham Journal straight from school in 1966.

He later formed a band with friends from work and performed the Beatles and Elvis tracks.

Guy's mother, Pamela, 74, said: "He was suffering from headaches. He couldn't sleep. He was just deteriorating since his separation.

"You would never know Guy had a problem though - he always had a smile on his face. Only we knew what he was suffering."

Guy's father, Donald, 79, said: "He had lost two stone in weight - he was just deteriorating.

In a note left for his parents, Guy said he was suffering immense pain and couldn't handle it any more.

A close friend of Mr Gisborne's, Dominic Whiting, from Evesham, paid tribute to the former DJ.

"Guy was a very close friend. He was always happy, joking and an extremely confident person who would make friends with anyone he met. I had so many great nights out with Guy and will never forget him."

An inquest into his death was opened by the Worcestershire coroner Victor Round on Wednesday and adjourned to be date to be fixed.