POLICE have confirmed that a body found alongside a slip road on the A64 is that of missing York man, Peter Garrick.

Mr Garrick, 65, went missing from his home in North Street on Monday, January 26. A post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from natural causes.

Two local men found Mr Garrick's body in grassland alongside the eastbound carriageway on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Garrick was born in York and attended school in Leeds. He had three shops in York in the 1970s and later took over Reg Butler's driving school. He was also a youth worker for Rowntrees Youth Club, coaching soccer, and keenly supported York City and York Cricket Club.

Close friend and former York City captain Barry Swallow said: "Peter was the first person I spoke to when I was transferred from Bradford City to York City in 1969. I met him over a glass of wine in Stonegate and he became a family friend over the last 35 years.

"Sadly, he had suffered ill-health for a number of years. My wife, Elizabeth, and I are devastated by his death. He was a great friend."

Clive Robinson, former York CC captain, said: "I was very sorry to hear of Peter's death. He was a great supporter of York Cricket Club at Clifton Park for many years."

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, February 07, 2004