Kate Bush ‘heartbroken’ after friend lost at sea 

Singer pays tribute to her 'dearest friend'

Tributes have been paid for one of two men who went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.

Singer Kate Bush has said she is "heartbroken" after her friend went missing off Budleigh.

It’s believed 63-year-old Matthew Upton was swept away whilst trying to help a woman in distress on December 25th. 

A major search and rescue operation was called off after hours of searching in choppy waves off the East Devon coast.

Mr Upton, an antique dealer in the town, was described by the singer as a "dearest friend" whom she had known for 30 years. 

She called him an "extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and lived life to the full," adding that he was also "a great deal of fun." "The world has lost someone incredibly special," she added.

Several other people were also rescued from the water and checked by paramedics, with some taken to the hospital by emergency crews.

Coastguards are urging swimmers to take into account the weather conditions and to know the limits of their abilities.