TRIBUTES have been paid to a Maryport man whose body was found five months after he first went missing.

Police received a report at 12.39pm on Tuesday, September 27 that a member of the public had seen a body on land in the Beckfoot area, West Cumbria.

The body has been named locally as missing 45-year-old Glen Jackson, who has now been missing for more than five months.

Glen's heartbroken mother Jackie Ostle has spent the past few months desperately searching for her son alongside family and friends.

Paying tribute to her son Glen, Jackie said: "Glen was funny, caring and deeply courageous.

"He was everyone’s friend if they needed help or were in danger. He saved countless animals who were homeless or in abusive homes.

"Many are alive now purely because Glen stepped in. He protected people, lost causes and animals. I used to beg him to join Greenpeace."

The family and friends of Glen are still asking as to what happened to the Maryport man in his final hours.

Jackie said: "Glen was last seen on May 21. CCTV shows him going out just before midnight but no-one knows why.

"Last Tuesday, September 27, we found him, lying just a hundred yards or so from his home."

Jackie wished to pay tribute to people who have helped in the search for her beloved son. 

READ MORE: Community in shock after body discovered in coastal village

She said: "Glen’s friends have kept me going throughout this time of loss - people who I didn’t even know before May 21.

"They have been relentless in their efforts to find him. Lauren-Louise Orme, her sister Rachel and her mother Emma have given their time endlessly in the searches.

"Lauren often working through the night posting flyers to keep people looking."

READ MORE: 'Worst nightmare'- mother thanks searchers who have been out to try and find missing son

"Kym Hodgson from Carlisle, started the media awareness by posting videos rallying people to look for Glen. Then, when a local news station reported that the police were stepping down their search for Glen, a Maryport man came forward and said he would take up the search.

"He has given up all of his spare time, researching Glen then walking miles until finally, this Tuesday, he found Glen. Leigh Smith, my family and I will never be able to thank you enough."

Glenn Jackson was last seen in the area of High Street in Maryport on Saturday, May 21.