TWO joggers found a man’s body on Pendle Hill at the weekend.

John Rainford, 48, was found collapsed down a steep embankment at the Nick of Pendle on Saturday morning. Police said his body had been there for several hours.

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The runners heard a mobile phone ringing out and followed the noise 20 metres down a steep part of the hill, opposite a car park used by walkers.

On finding Mr Rainford unconscious in grass, they attempted CPR before flagging down a passing police vehicle.

A vodka bottle was found close to Mr Rainford’s body, police said. He was dressed in walking clothing and had no visible injuries.

Yesterday, Mr Rainford’s devastated family had gathered at his home in Stockbridge Road, Padiham.

Mr Rainford’s brother, who would not give his name, said: “All I can say at this time is that my brother was a beautiful man. Just beautiful.”

Police said Mr Rainford’s body was found at around 7.25am. Detective Inspector Nikki Bithell, from eastern division CID, said a post-mortem examination would be carried out this week to determine the cause of death.

She said: “He has taken himself up Pendle with some vodka. It looks like he has gone and sat down, or found himself just down the side of a steep bit of the hill.

“It’s really difficult to say whether he has gone and sat down and taken ill, or has fallen, or a combination of the two.

“He had walking clothes on but he had been up there all night. There’s nothing suspicious about it at all.”

Conservative councillor, James Starkie, who represents the Higham and Pendleside ward, said: “We feel for Mr Rainford’s family and his friends. Without knowing the full circumstances it’s hard to comment but people will be shocked.”

Pendle Hill is an iconic landmark in East Lancashire, and is just short of being classed as a mountain.

The views from the top inspired George Fox to set up the Quaker Movement in 1652, and the hill is a popular Hallowe’en attraction due to the Pendle Witches, who were hanged in 1612 after the biggest witchcraft trial in Britain.

The hill’s long and varied history, coupled with the views from the top, make it a hit with walkers and tourists alike.

Several trails were created, including the Walking With Witches Trail and the Pendle Sculpture Trail.

Coun Starkie said: “The only thing that could come out of this is to make sure you are wearing the proper clothing and the correct boots.

“With Hallowe’en coming up, it sends out a message to visitors to be careful because it can get cold on the hill and on its surroundings.

“My sympathies are with the man’s family and friends.”