A surfer found dead off a Dorset bay has been identified as a firefighter and father-of-one from Southampton.

The body of Richard Carrington, 38, was spotted floating off Kimmeridge Bay by a passer-by on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Carrington, who leaves a wife and daughter, had served as a fireman for 19 years and was stationed at Hightown.

He was also a member of Southampton Amateur Rowing Club. Amanda Hames, from the club, said: "We are all so devastated. It really does hurt."

Mr Carrington's camper-van was found parked near where his body was found.

Sea conditions were flat at the time and police believe his body may have been in the water since the previous day.

Chief officer of the fire service John Bonney said: "Richard's death is a huge loss to his family as well as to the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service family and the community he served.

"Our thoughts are with Richard's family and his colleagues at Hightown Fire Station and we are offering support to his family as well as his crew member colleagues."

Amanda Hames, secretary of the rowing club, said: "I have spoken to his wife, she is in pieces.

"It is such a sad loss for the little girl he has left behind, he will never see her grow up.

"He was putting his life at risk every day firefighting but he died doing something he loved."

Dorset Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Story: BBC Dorset