A father reported missing from his home died in the Asian tsunami disaster.

A standard missing persons inquiry was launched when the next-door neighbour of Robert Adamson contacted police in December last year to say he had disappeared.

Tragically, Mr Adamson, 61, from Stone Cross, near Eastbourne, had already perished in the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 while in Thailand.

Sussex Police said yesterday that 13 months after the tsunami, Mr Adamson's body had finally been identified from dental records by the Thai ID Commission.

Mr Adamson's three children live with their mother out of the county and were used to their father travelling to the Far East for at least three months at a time.

Mr Adamson's daughter Sara, 17, who has two younger brothers, paid tribute to her "lovely" father.

She said: "My father was a very well-loved man, especially by his three children. He was an intelligent and also a very talented man.

"He loved to see and travel the world, especially Thailand, always making the most of his time.

"Robert, who also like to be called Bob, loved his children dearly, spoiling us and taking us on days out.

"My father was a lovely person, understanding and reasonable. He helped me and my brothers whenever we needed him.

"I learned most of my skills from my father and he used to treat me a lot with gifts or with brilliant days out.

"I couldn't have wished for a more perfect dad.

"He was caring, generous, supportive, fun and very understanding. My dad was like my best friend, always listening and supporting me in everything I have ever done.

"He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends."

Sgt Matthew Presland said: "Every year he went out to the Far East for at least three months so it wasn't unusual for him to be gone for substantial periods of time."

Sgt Dave Price, of Sussex Police, said: "This inquiry started out as a normal missing persons inquiry, but it has come to a tragic conclusion. It is very sad for all concerned."