A body found in the sea off St Ives has been identified as an "outstanding scientist" who worked at Kew Gardens.

Nigel Veitch’s body was found by a fishing boat crew on September 1, but police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Dr Veitch, 49, from Ascot, Berkshire, joined Kew Gardens in 1992 and worked at the Unesco World Heritage site as a senior phytochemist.

In 2003, Dr Veitch’s specialist research into the flavonoid chemistry of legumes was recognised by the American Society of Pharmacognosy Foundation with the Jack L Beal award.

He also made a key contribution as the phytochemistry expert to the series Genera Orchidacearum, with the final volume published earlier this year.

A Kew Gardens spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by Dr Nigel Veitch’s death. Dr Veitch was a valued colleague and friend to many at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and an outstanding scientist.

"He was a gifted plant chemist with a long-standing interest in flavonoid chemistry.

"He was well known across the organisation for his musical talent and led the Kew choir at the annual staff Christmas carol service.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues."

Police want to hear from people who saw Dr Veitch in west Cornwall area between noon on Sunday, August 31 and Monday, September 1.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference EN145460/14.