A FAMILY has paid loving tributes to a Skipton man who died after he was trapped by a piece of machinery.

Paul Spence, 64, was a customer at Michael Douglas Auto Salvage Ltd in Carlisle, Cumbria, when he was involved in an accident involving a forklift truck on Thursday last week.

He was released by firefighters and treated by paramedics and an air ambulance crew but died at the scene.

A joint investigation is being carried out by Cumbria Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr Spence was well-known in and around Skipton and kept a garage on the town’s Snaygill industrial estate.

A statement released by his wife, Sandra, and daughters Maria and Samantha, said that he was “renowned for his cheeky smile and wicked sense of humour.”

Their statement described him as: “a hard working family man who was a gifted tradesman; he could turn his hand to anything and had the ability to take everything in his stride.

“He had a passion for classic and fast cars, particularly restoring them. He also had a love for rock music, especially watching local bands with friends, enjoyed with a pint of Guinness.

“From the many messages and cards received everybody has described Paul as genuine, selfless and always happy to help. They said ‘you couldn’t meet a nicer guy.’

“The family would like to thank the emergency services that attended the scene and the extended support that is being offered by friends and family at this difficult time.”

Neighbour Roger Ingham said Mr Spence’s death had been an “almighty shock” to the community, adding: “Paul was an immensely popular personality, a good friend to many and a family man. He was a genuine good neighbour, always on hand if needed to help.” Details of the arrangements for Mr Spence’s funeral had not been released as the Herald went to press.