Tributes have been paid to an engineer who died after falling from scaffolding.

Gary Skelding, aged 56, was working on Tuesday at King William’s College when the tragedy took place.

He was an employee of Stewart Clague Services.

Director of SCS Alan Clague said: ’Gary was a lovely guy, a friend and a well-liked member of the Laxey village community who always had a smile on his face.

’Gary was well known in the motorsport community too. He rode professionally for Honda Britain and was passionate about biking.

’All of his SCS colleagues are devastated by what has happened.

’Gary was a highly respected member of the team, an engineer who was versatile across our divisions and always took pride in his work.

’He got along with everybody and will be deeply missed. Our condolences and thoughts are with his wife Alison and their friends and family at this sad time.’

SCS is working with the Health and Safety Executive and accident investigators and police who are investigating the incident, which is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for the school said: ’King William’s College is devastated by the news of today’s tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies are very much with Mr Skelding’s family at this desperately sad time.’

He added: ’This is a major shock for everyone and we offer our sincerest condolences to his loved ones and colleagues who we will support in any way we can.’