Dave Ellams, aged 35, drowned on 23 June, 2009, after swimming in the sea.

Mr Ellams, who was from Weston-super-Mare, died after being swept out to sea while swimming off rocks near to Birnbeck Island along with his friend Lee Tompkins, aged 33, who also died.

Mr Ellams was head chef at Daunceys Hotel in the town.

His girlfriend of three years, Aimee Crisp, said: "Dave loved children and always wanted his own; we even spoke about it just before he died.

"He was a loving and caring and liked a drink like the next bloke, as well as playing pool and table tennis and supporting Liverpool FC avidly.

"He worked as a chef and it was quite funny really, as he was the only chef I know that was allergic to food.

"He loved going down on the rocks and going into the sea and in a way I'm glad he died doing something he loved doing.

"I'm still shell-shocked what what's happened but I want to thank all the emergency teams who tried to help and for finding Dave."

Dave's sister, Louise Ellams, of Blackpool, is also devastated by her younger brother's death and struggled to find the words to pay tribute to him.

She said: "I loved him very much, he was my baby brother. I am still in shock by what's happened and Dad is in bits.

"He was very thoughtful towards me and his mum and dad. He was a loving child but I had lost contact with him in later years.

"He was energetic and sporty, like his big sis really.

"I'm devastated and will miss him so much and I want him to know I will love him forever.”

Mr Ellams' body was found at Clevedon Bay on 30 June, 2009 and within hours Mr Tompkins body was found on the other side of the Bristol channel.