SINGER Kate Bush has paid tribute to a former Wellington man who is still missing after a Christmas Day sea swim at Budleigh Salterton.

The ‘Babooshka’ singer described Matthew Upham, formerly of North Street, Wellington, as one of her “very dearest friends” and an “extremely kind” and “thoughtful” person.

Hundreds of people visited Budleigh Salterton beach on Christmas morning to take part in the traditional sea swim.

Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at about 10.25am on December 25 after two men in their 40s and 60s could not be located.

Matthew was identified by his family as the missing man in his 60’s in a post to social media.

Antiques dealer Matthew, aged 63, at one time lived in North Street, Wellington, when he was company secretary of Ebury Trading Ltd, from which he resigned in March, 1995.

Mr Upham went on to run Matthew Upham Antiques in Kings Road, London, before relocating after four decades with his partner James Upham to the East Devon seaside town.

Kate said in a tribute on her website: “Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for thirty years.

“He was one of those people who touched everyone he met. He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun.

“His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.

“Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected. It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way.

“The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”

Police have appealed for anybody with relevant information who had not already spoken to officers to call 101 or report it via its website and quote log 191 of 25/12/25.