Dr Pearson's body was found by an off-duty police officer walking in the Whinlatter Forest

The family of a woman whose body was found in a Lake District forest has thanked mountain rescuers who helped search for her.

Police have confirmed that the body found by an off-duty police officer in the Whinlatter Forest on Thursday is that of Dr Deborah Anne Pearson, who had been missing from her home in nearby Thornthwaite, near Keswick, since 21 December.

In a statement, her husband Dr Chris Hallewell said: “I would like to thank the police and mountain rescue teams who have worked extremely hard to support the family and find Deborah; we will be forever grateful.

“I would also like to thank the many friends and colleagues who have offered and given help over the last month. The communities of Braithwaite and Thornthwaite and the children’s schools have been generous and thoughtful throughout.”

Dr Pearson: "a kind and loving person"

Dr Hallewell also paid tribute to his late wife. “Deborah was a kind and loving person who is deeply missed by her family and many friends,” he said.

More than 60 mountain rescue team members took part in the search for Dr Pearson in late December.

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was joined by colleagues from the Kirkby Stephen, Patterdale, Penrith, Keswick and Wasdale teams in the search led by police search advisers.

The volunteer rescuers searched the Thornthwaite, Whinlatter, Moorgill, Noble Knott and Lord’s Seat areas.

West and North Cumbria David Roberts has been informed and a post-mortem examination is due take place later this week.