The body of 32-year-old Karl Malton, from Crowland, was discovered in a ditch beside Whip Chicken Road just off the B1166 in Crowland at about 11.25pm on Tuesday.

Today, friends and relatives of Mr Malton, who is believed to have lived with his partner and their two children, and who had children from a previous realtionship, paid tribute to "a good bloke".

Hannah Bradley, who works at the Abbey Hotel in Crowland, described Mr Malton as a "devoted partner and father".

She said: "Karl was a lovely man, who didn't deserve this. He was a quiet, but lovely, man who would come into the pub now and again.

"I feel sorry for the friends and family that are now having to cope with this trauma. We will miss him dearly."

Another tribute from Kelly Rees, posted on the Evening Telegraph website, said: "A good bloke. Will be sadly missed."

READ family tributes in Friday's Evening Telegraph.

Emergency services were called to the scene after a 58-year-old Spalding man, who was driving a silver Honda Prelude, reported to police that he believed he had hit a pedestrian.

Police officers began searching the area and made the grim discovery a few minutes later in a ditch running alongside the road, which is just off the A1073.

Diversions were put in place while the body was recovered, and were lifted at about 3.30am.

The road, which has no lights, is described as a single track which heads through the countryside from the town to Cowbit and a popular route among dog walkers. But it is not known where the pedestrian was walking from at the time of the collision.

An inquest into his death will be opened today by HM Coroner.

Councillor Paul Przyszlak, who represents Crowland and Deeping St Nicholas, added: "It's sad to hear of such a tragedy happening in the village, and my thoughts go out to the family and friends of this man."

Witnesses should call police on 01522 558855.