THE body of a man found in Worcestershire today is believed to be that of Paul Thomas, Upton-upon-Severn's former mayor.

Although the body is yet to be formally identified, tributes have been paid to Mr Thomas, 55, by former colleagues and friends.

Mr Thomas stepped down as mayor in March after he was arrested on suspicion of committing a voyeuristic act.

He was one of the founding members of Northway Lane-based Patrico in 1983 but resigned from his position as sales director of the industrical container stockists following his arrest in February.

• See tomorrow's Worcester News for more.