Relatives of a man whose remains were found in woodland 14 years after he vanished are hoping to have them buried next to his parents.

Bones, false teeth and clothing belonging to schizophrenic Walter Denson, 71, were found by police in Hellingly Woods, near Hailsham.

It followed the discovery of Mr Denson's skull by mother-of-two Karen Perez, of Warwick Close, Hailsham, during an outing with her partner and one of her daughters.

Mr Denson, of De Roos Road, Eastbourne, vanished in August 1988.

Mr Denson's aunt, his last surviving relative who lives in Hertfordshire, hopes to have his remains buried beside his parents in Hollington, St Leonards.

A police search team found the bones, clothing and a full set of false teeth belonging to Mr Denson on Friday morning. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Forensic tests showed the skull had two holes drilled into it, consistent with a leucotomy operation Mr Denson had in 1952.

Detective Inspector David Oakley, of East Downs CID, said: "We are now confident that the remains are that of Mr Denson but it will be for the coroner to make the final decision at a later inquest.

"Karen Perez is to be congratulated for finding the vital piece of evidence that local people, police and the Army were unable to find in 1988.

"Though it is speculation until the coroner's verdict, I am confident that we will finally be able to put Mr Denson's case to rest."