THE funeral of a young man whose body was found in the River Ouse has heard of his family’s “terrible shock” at what happened.

Christopher Baker, 29, of Albemarle Road, York, went missing on December 20 and his body was found near the Millennium Bridge on January 19.

Tributes paid at his funeral in York Crematorium spoke of a “sweet, lovely, dependable, steady and reliable person who thought the best of everyone and saw the best in everyone”.

Mr Baker, originally from Burry Port, in Carmarthenshire, Wales, leaves a wife, Megan, parents Alison and Peter Baker and a brother, Nicholas.

Michelle Burns, the humanist officiant who conducted the service, said on behalf of the family: “Chris was looking forward to everything so much and was loved so much by all who knew him.

“He went missing on December 20 and his tragic death was quite unexpected and a terrible shock for everyone. His parents have always felt immensely proud of their two sons and love them dearly.

“They say that it has been lovely for them to see their sons blossom and achieve their dreams and their closeness has been a constant delight for them.

“They feel very blessed to have two wonderful, loving, caring sons.

“Christopher is very much loved and cherished by them all and will remain in their hearts forever.

“Chris was the centre of Megan’s world of course and she too feels privileged to have had him in her life with his care, warmth and love.”

Former Swansea University student Mr Baker, went missing after abandoning his car in traffic on Skeldergate Bridge and climbing over the wall of the bridge.

Mr Baker moved to York with his wife six months ago, as he had liked the city, the service was told.