A man drowned in the River Great Ouse at Bedford after spending the day drinking with friends, an inquest has heard.

The body of William Dove, of Cardington Road, Bedford, was spotted floating face down in the water by members of the public near the Suspension Bridge on The Embankment on April 2.

The 57-year-old was reported missing to police on March 9 by his son James, after he failed to attend a family meal, Bedford Coroner's Court was told on Tuesday.

Mr Dove had spent Saturday, March 8, at a hospitality day at Bedford Rugby Club, drinking with friends, before going to The Balloon pub in Foster Hill Road where he continued drinking.

Det Sgt Linda Hollowell, who led the missing person's inquiry, said: "He refused the offer of a taxi home and walked along Foster Hill Road towards The Broadway when he left the pub.

"He was described by a friend as staggering, but making steady progress. The last confirmed sighting was at 2.30am near McDonald's on CCTV, staggering into a traffic light and into the window of Nandos. He then staggers over the Town Bridge and we lose sight of him."

A post-mortem found Mr Dove had consumed the equivalent of almost three times the legal drink-drive limit.

Coroner David Morris said: "That amount of alcohol would have had a serious effect on motor functions.

"I have to conclude there is no evidence before me that he had any suicidal thoughts. Having spoken to the family, he had been on a social night out and he had a significant amount of alcohol in his system. I have come to the conclusion that he must have slipped and fallen in the river."

Mr Morris recorded a verdict of accidental drowning.