TRIBUTES have poured in for an "amazing" Marlow man who was swept away by a giant wave in Cornwall while seeing in the New Year with family and friends.

27-year-old Harry Swordy, who grew up in Marlow, was washed out to sea at Loe Bar, near Porthleven around 1am on New Year’s Day.

But despite a frantic rescue effort which was hampered by the stormy conditions, his body was found washed up near Porthleven beach the following day.

The former Sir William Borlase's pupil was what friends describe as a "professional storyteller".

Mr Swordy, who used the writing name 'Treebeard', wrote poetry and folk tales for children and adults.

Peter Holding, Borlase head teacher, led the tributes to the popular ex-student and keen rugby player.

Dr Holding said: "Harry is remembered very fondly by staff and teachers, he was from a close knit family and his sisters also attended the school.

"He was one of those guys who followed his own path in such a lovely way.

"If you talk to any one of his ex teachers they always smile when they think of him, he was just such a nice guy.

"Even nine years later I remember him very well, not because he was one of our academic stars or prize-winners but because he was so much fun to talk to and have around the school."

Following Mr Swordy’s death. His friend Tom Luddington led a campaign to rename the storm which took his life ‘Storm Harry’.

Friends and well-wishers supported the calls by re-tweeting messages of support using the hashtag #StormHarry.

On his blog, Mr Luddington spoke of the loss of his "dear friend".

He said: "Harry was such an amazing character, so full of life, warmth and plans for the future. He will be so missed.

"Harry, amongst other talents, was a professional story teller. His stories were full of beauty, wonder and they were clever and moving."

Maidenhead RFC, where Mr Swordy played rugby, will hold a minute’s silence in his memory at their home game on Saturday.