Police believe the accident happened in the afternoon on Tuesday March 16 as Ian, a windsurfing champion, carried out skip work for Anchor Environmental Services.

It was the owners of the company, based in Weaverham, who are family friends, who found Ian's body after they couldn't raise him on the phone.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: "I can confirm that an investigation is being carried out. It is too soon to comment any further."

Ian's parents Jean and Vincent paid tribute to their only child, who won a series of windsurfing events in the Midlands last year.

"He just lived for his windsurfing. He won so many trophies," said Jean.

"It's such a tragedy.

"Everybody loved him, he had such a lot of friends."

Fiancee Adele, who lives in Whitley Drive, Barnton, was too distraught to speak.

But her mum Sandra said: "It will take her a long time to get over this but she has a great deal of love and support from all of us."

Ian's funeral took place yesterday, Tuesday, at Sandiway Methodist Church followed by interment at Gorstage Cemetery.

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