TRIBUTES have been paid to a 54-year-old who died after being found in the water at a Radcliffe beauty spot.

Lee Ainsley, from Whitefield, was discovered in the water at Red Bank Lodges, off Kirkstall Gardens, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 5.

Floral tributes and several cards have been left at the water's edge this week by a number of well-wishers.

One of his friends, Damian Bescoby, said in a tribute on Facebook that Lee was "the lad with that big infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes

"A lad that never stopped being daft in a lovely way and could have you crying with laughter."

Maria Bell added: "One of the nicest men you could meet always had a smile for everybody RIP Lee."

And Les Carmel Porter said: "Such a gorgeous man Lee, a real bobby dazzler.

"Sending my sincere condolences to all his family. Heartbreaking news."

Police were initially alerted over concerns for the welfare of a man in the water and have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The incident resulted in a heavy emergency services presence in the area from just before 3pm onwards.

An inquest is scheduled to be opened and adjourned at Rochdale Coroner's Court in Heywood on the morning of April 22.