Family relieved to know worst at last

THE family of a 79-year-old man found dead after disappearing from home in August say they can now start to move on after months of not knowing his whereabouts.

The body of Gordon Beard was found in woodland off Pheasant Walk in Loggerheads on Sunday.

The grandfather-of-two was reported missing after failing to return home to nearby Kestrel Drive on August 18 after going out for a walk.

The Army and police carried out extensive searches with dogs and helicopters around Loggerheads and Woore in the days following his disappearance.

Officers combed Burnt Wood near his home, which was one of his favourite haunts, but uncovered no clues.

In September his son David, who lives in Yorkshire, told The Sentinel hopes of finding Mr Beard, who suffered with dementia, were "fading".

On Sunday, a spectator watching Loggerheads FC play Baddeley Green Working Men's Club FC found the body after heading into the woodland to retrieve a ball.

Police were called at 12.30pm and the area was cordoned off.

Florence Beard, Mr Beard's wife of 62 years and his two sons David and Alan have thanked the police, media and community for their assistance during the investigation.

In a statement they said: "Gordon will be sadly missed.

"The news from Sunday, although very distressing, at least ends the waiting and not knowing and allows us some kind of closure.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the search for our father.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown, particularly from our community, during this difficult time."

Police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination is to take place soon.

Anthony Munday, Secretary of Baddeley Green Working Men's Club FC, was helping officiate Sunday's game.

The 49-year-old of Edge View Close, in Baddeley Green, said: "It all happened when the ball went out and a chap who had been watching the game went in to get it.

"We then heard a shout that a body had been found.

"Our first thought was that someone from the Loggerheads team may have known the person from their community. A few of their side said it was probably the man who had gone missing."

Mr Beard retired in 1993 after a successful career in the mining industry.

He was well respected in the industry and worked as a mining engineer and a manager at Hem Heath Colliery.

Because of his career, he and his family had moved around the country before settling in Loggerheads.