Body of best man is found by divers

The body of a best man from the Black Country who vanished after going swimming in a fishing lake during a wedding reception has been found.

Patrick Cody, aged 26, from Sedgley, was discovered by underwater divers at 7pm last night after a three-day search.

He disappeared during celebrations at Patshull Park Hotel & Country Club near Pattingham on Friday night at around 11pm.

His body was found at the bottom of the 35ft deep, mile-long pool by police divers from Nottingham, just metres from where he had entered the water.

Mr Cody's family and friends were by the lake when he was found.

His uncle Bill Cody, aged 57, of Wall Heath, former mayor of Dudley in 1997, said today: "We are all feeling a bit numb now.

"While there was still that hope he could be found alive, no-one wanted to talk about Patrick in the past tense.

"It's a terrible situation but at least now we can start to grieve."

Mr Cody's parents Liz and Dennis Cody were formally identifying their son's body today. Specialist sonar equipment was brought in from London yesterday and a police helicopter with thermal imaging equipment combed the lake.

Local fishermen also volunteered to help the search in their boats.