A BODY found in the Pontllanfraith area on Sunday has been formally identified as that of missing 81-year-old Blackwood man Derek Pontin.

Detectives had appealed for information to trace Mr Pontin after he disappeared from his home 10 days earlier on November 7. At the time, officers said they were concerned about Mr Pontin’s welfare due to his age and the current cold and wet weather conditions.

In a statement on Sunday, Gwent Police said they had discovered a body in the Pontllanfraith area. Police yesterday confirmed it was the body of Mr Pontin.

A spokesman said there were “no suspicious circumstances” and officers were giving support to his family.

Mr Pontin was very interested in nature and was known to roam the countryside around Blackwood.

He had last been seen by a family friend in the town’s Bridge Street at around 3.30pm on November 7.

Nigel Dix, the councillor for Blackwood, called Mr Pontin a “character” and offered his condolences to the family. He said: “It’s a tragedy for the family involved. The gentleman was a well-known character around the town and I would often see him going off on his walks in the countryside which he obviously enjoyed and was a big part of his life.”

John Hold, Blackwood Town Council clerk, added: “He was a bit of a character around town. It’s very, very sad under the circumstances and my sympathies are with his family and friends.

“He was a nice chap and he will be missed within the whole of the Blackwood community.”