THE remains of a Boars Hill hiker reported missing two-and-a-half years ago have been found in Canada.

In a statement tonight, police in Vancouver said they had used DNA identification to confirm remains and personal belongings found were those of Tom Billings.

The 22-year-old backpacker, who was travelling in North America after graduating from university, had last been seen setting off for a short hike in mountains near Vancouver on November 25, 2013.

Searches at the time were unable to cover some mountain areas hit by snow, with searches the following summer also proving unsuccessful. His family told the Oxford Mail in 2014 they feared he would never be found.

Vancouver police said today his remains were seen by a hiker on Cypress Mountain and reported on April 11. They were recovered by North Shore Rescue.

The cause of death is still unclear but foul play is not suspected, police added. The Coroners Service of British Columbia is investigating.

Mr Billings' family, who have been in regular contact with the authorities, were informed on Thursday during a two-hour phone call.

Constable Brian Montague, of Vancouver Police Department (VPD), told journalists at a press conference the missing persons unit worked tirelessly on the case.

A statement from Mr Billings' family, issued through police, said: "The family wants to thank the general public for the support and assistance in the search to find their son Tom over the last two-and-a-half years.

"The family specifically wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the members of the North Shore Search and Rescue team and the helicopter pilots of Talon Aviation, the staff and members of the British consulate in Vancouver for all their continued support, and finally to the VPD general and the Missing Persons Unit in particular for their continued and persistent work to find their son Tom."