A devastated family have paid tribute to an Oldham man who died after falling through a roof.

Semi-retired builder Michael McAiney, of Harewood Drive, Royton, was working alone at a furniture company in Bury when he failed to return home last Thursday.

His family immediately raised the alarm and reported him missing to the police who discovered his body in a ground floor room at the Furniture Arena just hours later.

The 61-year-old leaves behind his wife Evelyn, two daughters Sharon and Liz, and four grandchildren.

Sharon told the Advertiser: "It’s been absolutely horrific for us all and we are absolutely devastated.

"I think I’m all cried out at the moment and mum is trying really hard. She’s being strong but it’s just so devastating." Sharon described her father as very funny, outgoing and a bit of an entertainer who ‘loved his family and lived for his grandchildren’.

The keen pianist and organist who was born in Oldham and lived locally all his life was a member of the Oldham Werneth Masonic Lodge.

Sharon added: "Through the nature of his work and his great personality he knew a lot of people and everyone knew him.

"We didn’t realise exactly how popular he was until now. We are receiving so many phone calls and cards with such lovely things said about him. He will be sorely missed and we loved him to bits."

A post-mortem examination recorded an accidental death. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and there will be a joint investigation with police.