A BODY recovered from the River Ouse near York last week has finally been positively identified as that of a missing university student.

Robert Davis, as 20-year-old chemistry student at York University, had been reported missing on September 23 after a night our drinking in the city with friends.

A major police search failed to find him, but his body was finally recovered from the Ouse on October 1 after it was spotted by a passer-by.

He was formally identified today and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

His parents Tony and Kim, and sister Helen, from Bury, said in a statement: "We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support following Rob's tragic death and we are truly touched by the number of his friends, both in York and in Bury, who made such a concerted effort to assist the police in their search for him.

"Our thanks also go to the police and rescue services for their tremendous response to Rob's disappearance, and the sensitive manner in which they have dealt with us and Rob's close friends.

"We miss Rob terribly, but will proudly and lovingly remember him as a son and brother who achieved so much in a short time, lived his life to the full, and was very much his own man."