The body of a gangmaster who once had a fleet of 40 vehicles employing hundreds of people across the Fens has been found in a river in the area.

Andy Lee, 64, had been missing for five days before his body was discovered in the River Nene, in Wisbech.

He was a well known figure in the area, having run Packwell gangmaster agency for more than 30 years until it folded around a decade ago.

At its height he had a fleet of around 40 vehicles employing hundreds of people from around the Fens, said his sister Kate Barnes, who said it was a tragic end for a man who had been such a dynamic presence before battling depression in his latter years.

Ms Barnes, 63, of Anderson Close, Wisbech, said: 'He was very well known and loved. Our father Jack was a gangmaster employing people on the land and Andy followed the trade but employing people for factory work.

'He was a hard worker and built it into a successful business.

'He also had rented properties.'

She added that he did so well he eventually moved from a large bungalow to live in Hastings House on Mill Road in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King's Lynn, a six-bedroom property with paddocks and stabling.

However, she believes his fortunes took a turn for the worse when property prices dipped around 2003, and as his marriage ended. He reluctantly wound up his business and properties.

'He went from living the best life to losing everything. At one point he lived in the Ferry Project hostel in Wisbech for about seven months,' Ms Barnes said.

Following the drop in his fortunes, he took on a factory job at Stream Foods of Walsoken followed by a spell of forklift truck driving.

She said: 'He was never above himself, even when he was successful, he never thought he was too good or looked down his nose at others. He was an easy-going, fun-loving man – you couldn't have asked for better.'

Mr Lee, who was living in a flat in Ramnoth Road in Wisbech, before he went missing for five days, was discovered by police on Saturday, September 6. Officers said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Barnes said: 'I have to concentrate on all the happy memories and celebrate his life as that is how I would rather remember.'

An inquest is due to be held, while the funeral is today at Mintlyn Crematorium at 2.30pm.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Lee? Email kath.sansom@archant.co.uk