Friends of Ben Clarkson have expressed their grief with words, flowers and soft toys after police confirmed that he had become the latest person to die in York's rivers.

Banks Musicroom on Lendal, where the 22-year-old guitarist worked, will be closed "until further notice" as a mark of respect.

Relatives of others who have died in the city's rivers have sent their support to his family and loved ones, who have asked for privacy.

A tree near where he was found in the River Foss has been transformed into a memorial with flowers, balloons, written messages and soft toys tied to it.

The message from his girlfriend Rachel Peatfield includes the words: "Words cannot describe how much I am going to miss you in the same way that words cannot describe how much I loved you. I am going to miss your smile and your amazing personality."

Ben's friends have urged well-wishers to remember him by sending a donation to his favourite charity, The Dogs Trust .

Nikke Jobling, mother of Jordan Sullivan, who died in the River Ouse near Naburn in 2012, posted a message on Facebook: "Sending strength, love and hugs to all Ben's family and friends from Jordan Sullivan's Mum. You won't believe it now but two years on from finding Jord in the river, life does get better and memories do help. So sorry for your loss."

In a statement on its Facebook page, Banks Musicroom said: "The whole team at Musicroom is devastated to hear the news regarding our friend and colleague Ben Clarkson. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. The York store will remain closed until further notice as a mark of respect."

He was due to start a shift at the shop within hours of his disappearance in the early hours of March 1. He was last seen at 3.40am on Layerthorpe as he headed towards his home in Heworth Green after leaving Fibbers nightclub.

His disappearance sparked a major search with friends including Rachel distributing leaflets and posters, which were displayed in York shops. The search ended when his body was found near to Sainsbury's on Foss Bank.