TRIBUTES have flooded in for Cumbria's mountaineering legend Doug Scott - including from his friend and fellow climber Chris Bonington.

One of the most respected climbers of modern times, Scott - the first Englishman to climb Everest via its daunting South West face with Scottish mountaineer Dougal Haston - died peacefully at his Hesket Newmarket home yesterday.

He was 79.

As the news of his death spread, hundreds of people took to social media to salute his achievements - both as a mountaineer and as a dedicated charity leader who helped the impoverished mountain people of Nepal.

Facebook tributes were littered with words such as "inspirational", "brilliant", and "legendary."

"Doug and I have known each other for so many years," said Bonington in an emotional interview. “On the 1975 Everest expedition he went to the summit with Dougal Haston.

“The thing about Doug was he was a great - an amazing - climber. But he put back so much through what he’s done with Community Action Nepal - in founding the charity, and the work he’s done.

"He was an amazing person, and had an absolutely amazing life.

"He’s given so much to so many people.”

Chris spoke of how throughout his climbing career, Doug was known for the care he consistently gave to those around him.

He said: "He was a superb climber; a superb mountaineer with very, very good mountain judgement. But it was the way when he was climbing that he looked after the people around him; the way he cared for the sherper helpers and the porters who were helping us. This came across right the way through everything that he's done.

"What's important is the way you go up that mountain; and Doug's integrity was absolutely complete. He did it in the purest possible way. And right the way through his life he's been caring for other people as well."

Regarded as one of the best ever British climbers, Scott dedicated decades of effort to helping Nepal's mountain people through Community Action Nepal.

"He was still doing so much for so many people," said Chris.

"He founded the charity and he has worked for it absolutely tirelessly.

"Every year, he's gone on long lecture tours, covering his own expenses, and all the revenue has gone to Community Action Nepal.

"Not only that, he raised awareness.

"He's a huge loss in so many different ways. He was greatly loved by a huge number of people from all around the world."

Doug Scott's mountaineering career spanned six decades.

In 1977, Scott and Bonington ascended of Baintha Brakk - known as The Ogre - in the Pakistan Karakorum.

On the descent, Scott broke both his legs and an epic tale of survival followed as the pair struggled for eight days to reach safety.

Doug was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer in March - yet even so he continued fundraising for Community Action Nepal.

Even during his final illness, Scott continued to help others, hauling himself up the short flight of stairs at his home in Cumbria to raise money for Community Action Nepal (CAN).

Announcing the news on Twitter yesterday, the charity said: "With a heavy heart we inform you that our Founder and great friend, Doug Scott, passed away peacefully this morning, at his home with his family around him. We ask for privacy at this time, but will be making a full and proper announcement in the coming days."

A spokeswoman added: "We are just asking for some privacy for the family and CAN staff to process the sad loss. He was an incredible man and will be sorely missed by us all."

Last week saw the loss of another mountaineering star - the renowned Scottish climber and inventor Dr Hamish MacInnes.