FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a 'great lad' who has been found dead in a Blackpool hotel, after going missing from Workington last month.

Police confirmed that a man’s body was found on February 5 at a property in Blackpool, with the deceased being formally identified as 53-year-old Robert Bates from Workington.

A police spokesman said that the circumstances of Mr Bates’ death are not believed to be suspicious.

Mr Bates had been officially missing since January 14, although none of his family had seen him since he initially went missing from Workington on January 3.

Robert worked as a painter and decorator in Workington, before going on to be a project manager at Amcor. He was a keen member of the former Clifton Lions rugby team and also liked watching cricket, as well as seeing his two sons playing rugby.

Speaking about Robert, his sister Kelly Ann Outterside said: "Me and him were really close. I'm his baby sister but felt like his mother. He's at rest with his brother Ryan now.

"He was a brilliant brother-in-law to Glenn, an uncle to Jack, Natasha, Jake and Chris and a great uncle.

"He liked a night out with me... it is just heart breaking. I'm devastated after the last five weeks."

Kelly Ann also paid a special mention to Robert's two sons, Liam and Sam, who she said her brother worshipped, saying: "The lads loved him very much. They were his world."

A call out has been made to Great Clifton Lions club ex-players who will be meeting in Workington Royal British Legion on Friday, February 16, between 5 and 6pm to honour their fellow teammate.

Speaking on behalf of the Clifton Lions, teammate Mark Jones said: "He was a popular player and part of a very good Great Clifton Lions squad in the '90s, winning the Dale Campbell Savours Cup and the Cumberland League 2 Premiership. Also the Division 4 title and premiership with Great Clifton 2nd team.

"He was a great marra like all that squad, and was supporting functions the club had long after he had retired.

"A great lad who will be sadly missed."