The heartbroken family of an experienced climber who has died in the Lake District have paid him a moving tribute.

Kevin Ryan, 50, died after falling down the face of Dove Crag in the eastern Lake District on Saturday. A family statement has outlined the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

The tribute said that Mr Ryan, from Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, had been an experienced and well equipped walker and climber whose death was the result of a tragic accident.

It said: “Unfortunately, Kev passed away in a tragic accident. The entire group of nine arrived together at the cave at 2pm, the weather was overcast with no rain or wind.

"The group watched the sunset as it rained over Patterdale but the rain did not reach them.

“The group had a small fire and set down for bed at approximately 9pm when it had nearly burnt out. Kev got up and tragically lost his footing and fell off the edge.

“The family and the group would like to reiterate that Kev and several members of the group were very experienced and all were very well equipped. What happened was a tragic accident.

“Kev was an inspiration to us all; he never sat down, if he wasn't on an adventure travelling the world or every corner of the UK he would be playing any sport, anyone would play with him.

"He loved climbing, mountain biking, road biking, scuba diving and squash. At 50 he took up two new sports by joining a local kayak club and also signed up for a boxing match to raise money for charity.

"Even with all this he found time to help anyone that asked or likely didn't, and he could be found doing all sorts of odd jobs for a cuppa or beer.

“We would all like to thank the mountain rescue team for their continued help. Their actions on the mountain and the empathy they have shown is tribute to the amazing job they do.

“We will not be releasing any more statements and ask, in this difficult time, for our privacy to be respected.”