THE FAMILY of a man feared drowned while trying to rescue his dog from the sea said he was an "inspirational" figure for many people.

A large search operation for father-of-three Gareth Jones was scaled down on Sunday after police viewed CCTV which appeared to show the 69-year-old and his cockapoo being swept into the sea.

In an emotional tribute, his family told ITV Meridian that he "had time for absolutely everybody" and was "extremely kind and generous".

They said: "He was a very unique man, he was a legend. He was very inspirational to not only us but so many other people.

"He had time for absolutely and was extremely kind and generous."

The Argus: Gareth's family reported him missing on Saturday afternoon after he did not return home when plannedGareth's family reported him missing on Saturday afternoon after he did not return home when planned

Gareth's family reported him missing on Saturday afternoon after he did not return home when planned.

After contacting emergency services, son Robbie, along with his sisters Rhian, 33, and Gemma, 30, worked to coordinate search efforts.

His family added: "We just had so many people turn up and say they were here to help. It was a completely amazing turnout.

"We are really grateful for it."

READ MORE >> Tributes to Hove man Gareth Jones after search scaled back

A large multi-agency search for Gareth began on Saturday evening and continued until the early hours, before resuming at first light on Sunday.

But shortly after 3pm, two police officers gathered Gareth's family at their home in Hove and told them the search was being scaled down.

Police had seen CCTV which appeared to show the 69-year-old and his dog Connie being swept into the sea in Hove.

Gareth was born in Cardiff and grew up in the Welsh capital before making his way east.

He was a self-employed management consultant but had previously worked as a lecturer at universities in several countries as well as being the head of HR at the BBC.