THE father of a 20-year-old man found dead in a Witney lake five days after going missing last night paid tribute to his much-loved son.

John Godfrey went missing after a party on Friday night with friends at Tar Lakes, an open space off Tar Road on the outskirts of Witney.

His family raised the alarm on Monday morning and joined friends who searched the area, while desperate messages appealing for information were posted on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

But their worst fears were confirmed on Wednesday morning, when police pulled his body from the lake.

Mr Godfrey, known as ‘Little John’ to his family and friends, worked as an engineer and was set to celebrate his 21st birthday next Sunday.

His father, John Godfrey, 68, of Park Road in Witney, said: “I loved him to bits and I will never stop loving him.”

His son was often out with friends all weekend and Mr Godfrey added: “I knew something was wrong when he did not come home for work on Sunday. We heard on Wednesday but I had more or less guessed by then.”

His family do not yet know how he came to die in the lake. He is the second son Mr Godfrey has lost, after 31-year-old David was killed when his car hit Radcot Bridge, near Faringdon, in 1997.

Mr Godfrey said: “You never think it would happen to you twice.”

John’s aunt, Irene St Clair, 54, of Witney, said: “It has been such a shock. You don’t expect it to happen to such a young person.

“All the family are trying to support each other and all his friends have been a great help and support.”

Stepbrother Michael Knight, 29, of Witney, said: “He was really outgoing and always up for a laugh. He worked hard and partied hard.

“Wednesday was extremely difficult but today the questions are coming flooding in and we are unsure as to what happened.”

Mr Godfrey had worked for AC Precision Engineering in Witney since October 2008 and was in the last year of his apprenticeship.

The company had paid for him to attend Abingdon & Witney College, where he received an engineering qualification last year.

Administration manager Julia Cunnington said: “John was extremely conscientious and very polite. It was a pleasure to work with him.”

Mr Godfrey had attended Wood Green School and Tower Hill Primary School in Witney before joining the company.

He had a passion for skateboarding and regularly visited The Leys skate park in Witney and took part in competitions around the UK.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious. A Facebook group set up online in memory of Mr Godfrey has already got 285 members.

Stephen Newman-Barnes posted: “You are a true friend and will be missed by so many people.

“He may be gone but the memory of Little John will never be forgotten.”

Jasmine Hiller posted: “You were the most amazing and funny person ever.

“You meant the world to a lot of people and always brightened up people’s day. You held a special place in all of our hearts, John.”