Wife pays tribute to Shropshire flood victim Mike Ellis

The wife of a retired teacher killed in floods in Bitterly yesterday has paid tribute to her 'wonderful husband'.

Named locally as Michael David Ellis, his wife described him as a 'gentle and caring man'.

The 66-year-old was on his way home when he drove into a flooded area, he abandoned his car and walked across a field when he was swept away as a brook burst its banks.

The emergency services found Mr Ellis' body after an extensive search but it was too late to save him.

His wife of almost 40 years Judith said her husband truly was her other half.

Mrs Ellis also commended her husbands work as a maths teacher saying he was passionate about maths with endless patience for those less able.

Mr Ellis was very involved in the community lending his time to various organisations.

Once he had retired he became county treasurer for Girlguiding Shropshire and acted as a webmaster and official photographer.