TRIBUTES have been paid to Brian Powell, a well-known man who left a special mark on the countryside.

Mr Powell, aged 56, worked for both Malvern Wells and Colwall parish councils helping to maintain footpaths and nature reserves.

He also carried out landscape work in Malvern Wells Cemetery.

Mr Powell went missing on February 9 after leaving for work as normal. He was found in his car near St James' Church, Colwall, two days later.

A post mortem was carried out this week and an inquest has been opened.

Instantly recognisable in the hat he always wore, Mr Powell was a keen gardener who loved the local countryside, particularly the area around Colwall.

Colwall Parish Council clerk Charlie Walker described him as a quiet, conscientious man, well-known and liked, whose work was always of the highest standard.

His work in Malvern Wells Cemetery was also praised by a conservation consultant, who wrote to the parish council to say: "He seems to have achieved the impossible task of striking a balance between a formal appearance for the visitor, yet allowing small wildflowers to flourish."

His widow, Maggie, said her husband was a quiet and thoughtful man.

"He was loved by a lot of people and very much appreciated for the work he did but I don't think he ever knew how much," she said.

Neighbour Kay Chaplain described him as a wonderful friend.

"You couldn't have asked for better," she said.

Mr Powell, who worked as a car mechanic for many years, could often be seen with his head under a car bonnet and had acquired an old Triumph and a Wolsey, which he had planned to restore once he retired.

"He loved anything mechanical and if he wasn't in the garden growing flowers and vegetables, he'd be tinkering with something," said Mrs Powell.

The couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary at a hotel in Ludlow and had recently spent a number of weekends away with friends in Torquay.

The funeral is planned for February 24 at St James' Church, Colwall.

Family, friends and neighbours plan to pick flowers from their gardens for a special arrangement for Mr Powell's coffin.