Moving tributes have been paid to popular scallop diver Matthew Green, whose body was recovered at sea after he failed to surface earlier this week.

The married 33-year-old, from Mudeford, was reported missing on Tuesday lunchtime, after diving 2.5km off Durdle Door, near Lulworth Cove.

Following an extensive search operation, over two days, his body was recovered from the sea bed.

The father-of-two has been described as "part of the Lulworth fishing community" and "one of the nicest people you could have ever met."

Chris Miller, of the Cove Fish Shop, said: "We are devastated. I have never seen so many fishermen and others turn up to look for him.

"Many remained at sea all night.

"He recently got married and our sympathies go to all of his family and close friends."

Matthew kept his 20ft boat, called Faith, moored at Lulworth, and went out most days to dive for scallop off the Dorset coast.

Most of his catch was taken to Vivers fish market in Portsmouth, where he was also a popular figure.

Vivers UK managing director Eric McLeod said: "He always turned up and greeted all of our team as part of his extended family.

"It was a real pleasure to have worked with him and to have known him."

Meanwhile, Lulworth fisherman Norman Miller said: "He was one of the nicest people you could have ever met – he became part of the Lulworth fishing community.

"He was there to help whenever needed and often dived to help us remove any thing that got caught around our props or when we lost pots.

"He encouraged others to take up the sport of diving, and was often seen talking to the many school children who visit Lulworth explaining about how he caught his scallops.

"We will really miss his smiling face."