This is the man with the "beaming smile" who was found dead in the river at Ashford over the weekend.

Mark Worsfold, pictured below, was found dead in the River Stour on Sunday (February 21) morning. Emergency crews were called to East Hill after a passer-by saw his body in the stream.

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Although it is not clear how he died, police have confirmed Mr Worsfold’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

Over the next few days, bunches of flowers and messages were left tied to the railings near where Mr Worsfold, who was from the town, was found.

One tribute reads: “Mark, always in our hearts. Miss you always.”

Another said: “Mark, there are no words to express my sadness.”

It is understood that Mr Worsfold, 50, was a mechanic who previously worked at Caffyns Vauxhall, on the Orbital Park estate in Ashford.

He was a regular in The George pub in Ashford High Street, and also enjoyed visiting The Swan and the John Wallis, formally The Man of Kent, both in the town centre.

VIDEO: Mark Worsfold's body was found in the river. Josie Hannett reports

Since his death, friends have spoken of his cheeky smile and kind heart.

Author, and Kentish Express columnist, Steve Salter, said: “This is such a tragedy, he was one genuinely lovely guy.

“I was only chatting to him the other day.

“Mark was one of my old customers at The Swan in Tufton Street and I also met up with him again when he worked at Caffyns Vauxhall.

“He would come out of the workshop to talk.

“He always had a beaming smile for you. I am so saddened by his premature passing and offer my since condolences to his family.”

Tom Dixon, who runs The George pub, as well as the Tickled Trout, in Wye, and Flying Horse, in Boughton Aluph, said Mr Worsfold’s “jovial” personality would be missed.

He said: “Mark was a very popular customer with both staff and other customers and has been using The George Hotel as far back as I can remember.

“He always had a smile on his face, would always want to say hello and had a very close group of friends.

“My team are shocked and deeply saddened. His jovial character will be missed by all of us at The George.

“Indeed, he celebrated his 50th with us just a few weeks ago.”

Mr Dixon said a night would be organised in his memory.

He added: “Mark came in every Saturday night. His best friend Jim is organising a night this week in his remembrance.”