Tributes have been paid to the director of children's services at North East Lincolnshire after his body was discovered in a stream.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of Andy Sampson, 54, which they believe to have occurred late on friday night.

The council's chief executive Tony Hunter said: 'Andy's colleagues at the council are devastated by his death. They remember his larger than life personality, his outstanding ability to inspire his own teams and others, his great enthusiasm and passion for children’s services and his caring nature. Our condolences go out to his wife Barbara and their family at this terribly sad time.'

Councillor Andrew De Freitas, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: 'Andy was a fine man who was hugely passionate about children's services. He personally led a remarkable improvement in children's services in just over two years. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him.'

Sampson, joined the council, where his wife also works, in January 2006, and was a widely respected and popular figure within the council and the local community.

Colleagues described 'an energetic and hugely committed man'.

His achievements in transforming children’s services have included an increase in the number of A-C grade GCSEs; an outstanding adoption report; high performance in social care and the successful establishment of the Children’s Trust, among others.

His body was discovered near the Buck Beck pumping station in Cleethorpes by a passer-by on Saturday morning.

A post mortem was due to be carried out today and an inquest is to be opened later this week.