THE family of a missing diplomat who went to school in Droitwich have paid tribute after his body was formally identified.

Police investigating the disappearance of 52 year-old Richard Morris confirmed this week the body found on August 31 was his.

In a statement, Mr Morris' family paid tribute to a "funny, kind and smart" man who was a "loving and loyal husband and father".

The statement read: "From childhood European holidays via a US university scholarship to Ambassador to Nepal, Richard loved to travel.

"Described as funny, kind and smart by his diplomatic colleagues, he worked for the FCO with professionalism and integrity for nearly 30 years.

"His empathy and kindness to those around him earned him respect wherever he went, evidenced by the messages of love, friendship and support we have received from all over the world.

"Richard was always a runner, cheerfully describing himself as "more of an enthusiastic weekend trail runner than podium finisher".

"Nevertheless he had completed five marathons on four continents, most recently in Nepal, where he raised money for Changing Faces - the UK charity of which he was a trustee.

"But above all else, Richard was a family man. A loving and loyal husband, father, son and brother. He showed us the world but he was our world and we are devastated by his loss.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations and individuals who have supported us over the past few months."

Mr Morris went to Droitwich Spa High School in his younger days and had been living in Bentley, Hampshire.

During his career he served as the ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and November 2019, accompanying the Duke of Sussex during his tour of the country in 2016.

Before that he was head of the Pacific department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has held senior diplomatic posts including in Australia and Mexico.

He was originally reported missing in May this year after he went for a run and didn't return.