THE family of Nicholas Degraff have paid tribute to a beloved son, brother and uncle who they have said will be ‘forever in their hearts’.

Nicholas was know by family and friends as well as the wider community in Workington for the way he ‘lived his life to the full.

He was an adored uncle to his niece Lily who he spent a lot of his free time with and was extremely close to his mam, Hilary, dad Malcolm and sister, Charlotte.

Nicholas, known by many as Nic, enjoyed rock and heavy metal music as well as going to gigs with his friends.

A fabricator by trade, Nic was well respected by his work colleagues and spent time helping dad Malcolm to restore his classic MG which they would take to car shows together.

His sister Charlotte said: “Anyone that knew Nicholas, knows he lived his life to the full.

“He was very mischievous and would do anything for a laugh.

“He always had a smile on his face and would do anything for anyone.

“ Wherever he went (including the pub), his beloved German shepherd, Leia, was right by his side.

“We are a very close family, and went on many holidays and trips away together. Nic adored his niece, Lily, who he dedicated a lot of time to.

“Nic was a lads’ lad – he had loads of friends who were always round at ours.

“He loved his tattoos, piercings, rock/heavy metal music and going to gigs.

“ He was a fabricator by trade, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and also spent years together with my dad, restoring my Dad’s classic MG and then taking it along to car shows together.

“We will cherish every single memory that we have with Nic over the past 23 years. It is a quiet world without him in it and he will forever be in our hearts.”

Nic’s family have thanked all those in the community of Workington as well as family and friends for all their love and support over the last seven weeks.

Times and Star: ADORED: Nic and his family who he was extremely close toADORED: Nic and his family who he was extremely close to

Charlotte said: “We can’t thank our family, friends and the general public enough for all the love and support we have received over the past 7 weeks, we are eternally grateful.”

Nic’ body was found in the water at Workington Port on January 21 and was formally identified by police last week.

He first went missing on December 12, with the last sighting of him being in the village of Great Clifton.

Extensive searches took place for the missing Workington man, with many in the community coming together to help the police.

Since his body was identified, an outpouring of grief as well as thoughts and support for his family and friends has taken place on social media and in the community as a whole.

The circumstances of Nic’ death are not believed to be suspicious.