The physique of a firefighter who disappeared greater than a month in the past as he tried to swim the English Channel for charity has been discovered.

Iain Hughes, crew supervisor at Wednesbury fireplace station, West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast on the morning of 20 June accompanied by a help boat however went lacking later that day in French waters.

The disappearance of the 42-year-old father-of-two triggered an in depth search by French and Belgian authorities which was later called off.

West Midlands Fire Service stated on Friday the physique of a swimmer present in waters off Belgium has been formally recognized as Mr Hughes.

In an announcement launched by way of the hearth service, Mr Hughes' household stated they "miss him more than words can ever say".

They stated: "Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.

"We are pleased with Iain for therefore many causes.

"He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain - determined to help and support others."

Mr Hughes had been making an attempt to boost £21,000 - £1,000 for each mile of his swim - for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

To date his fundraiser had far exceeded this goal by elevating greater than £56,000.

'Heartbreaking'

Mr Hughes' household added: "It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total.

"Thank you to everybody who has donated and who remains to be elevating cash.

"We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

"The picture we're releasing sums up the Iain we cherished."

Flags to fly at half-mast

West Midlands Fire Service chief fireplace officer Wayne Brown stated it's "devastating news" and that "Iain's family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time".

He added: "I know that many people have been affected by Iain's disappearance.

"We, in flip, have been touched by the lots of of form messages we've got acquired, and the overwhelming response to Iain's fundraising web page. Thank you."

West Midlands Fire Service stated flags at its websites will fly at half-mast till sundown on Friday as a mark of respect to Mr Hughes.

He joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1999, on the age of 19.