A DEVASTATED Southcrest man has expressed his heartbreak after the body of his wife was found in a Redditch car park eight days after she vanished from home, writes Helen Clarke.

Steve Walsh also praised Redditch police, whom he said had been 'extraordinary' and 'marvellous' towards him and his family throughout the ordeal.

On Saturday, December 29, Venetia Walsh, 40, left her Lilac Close home, her three children - Dean, 18, Charlene, 15, Shane, 13 - and husband saying she was going to the shops but would not be long.

But after 15 minutes, Mr Walsh, 42, a die sinker at Aerospace Forgings, raised the alarm, calling friends and family to help look for her.

Mrs Walsh had been suffering from depression.

Police were called within the hour.

On Sunday, January 6, police informed Mr Walsh her body had been found in the car park of Southcrest Veterinary Centre, just minutes away from the family home.

Mr Walsh described his wife, known as 'Nesha', who enjoyed spending time with her children and listening to 70s and 80s music, as a bubbly person with a heart of gold.

The couple met in 1995 and from their first date at an HDA skittles evening, Mr Walsh knew they were going to get along, saying they felt they had known each other all their lives.

He said the only thing keeping him and the children going was the fact they had each other and were such a 'strong family' which also includes his wife's four sisters, two brothers, mum and dad.