The family of a man found dead beside a canal in Brentford have said "the world will be a much less entertaining place without him".

Donald Paul Smith's body was discovered on a footpath beside the Grand Union Canal, near Gallows Bridge, on Tuesday (March 15) morning.

His family were told by police that the 44-year-old artist, who lived in Hayes, died of hypothermia after being in the water.

A post-mortem examination did not give an official cause of death but police have said it is not being treated as suspicious.

Helped homeless people in Shepherd's Bush

Jamie Smith said his brother grew up in the Scottish Highlands, near the Isle of Skye, before moving to west London in the late 80s.

"He grew up amid the mountains and splendid scenery but he wanted to move to Shepherd's Bush to take part in a community arts programme to get homeless people to use their artistic talents," he said.

Donald lived in Shepherd's Bush, near the green, for many years, but had recently moved to Hayes after breaking up with his partner, said Jamie.

He was an accomplished painter, sketcher and sculptor, who his brother said specialised in taking classical themes and placing them in a modern concept.

'An infinitely gentle soul'

But it was his wicked sense of humour which Jamie said would be most missed by those who knew him.

"He had incredible artistic ability, an infectious love of life and he was such a caring soul, but he was hysterically funny too," he said.

"Going through his texts absolutely breaks my heart. The world will be a much less entertaining place without him.

"He was an infinitely gentle soul. He was one of life's pacifists and was always seeking the good in life. We are devastated by this accident."

Jamie added that the family planned to bring his body back to bury him on the family plot on the Isle of Skye.

He invited anyone who knew Jamie to get in touch with the family by emailing him at icefactor@icloud.com.