A body found on the North Cornwall coast has been confirmed as that of a well-known retired priest who went missing on New Year's Eve.
Barry Kinsmen's car was found abandoned near Stepper Point and extensive searches of the area initially failed to locate the former headteacher and one-time mayor of Padstow.
A body was later recovered by a Padstow inshore lifeboat crew at a collapsed cave known as the Butter Hole, not far from Stepper Point, on January 16.
Devon and Cornwall Police said DNA analysis had now confirmed the body was that of Mr Kinsmen.
The 72-year-old Cornish bard was highly regarded in Padstow where he was closely involved with several community projects over many years.
The former headteacher at St Issey Primary School and a noted local historian, he helped set up Padstow Museum, was a leading member of the town's Old Cornwall Society, and a member of its countywide executive.
Mr Kinsmen – described as "the life and soul of Padstow" – was also a leading light of the town's newsletter, the Padstow Echo.
