TRIBUTES have been paid to a Radcliffe community housing officer who died on Monday.

Nick Harrison, of Meadowbrook Close, Bury, was found hanged at home by his wife, Dawn (36) three days before what would have been his 35th birthday.

Family members and work colleagues from Bury Council's housing department in Radcliffe spoke yesterday about Nick, describing him as a tremendous man who was "instantly liked and instantly loved".

The Manchester United fan enjoyed playing many sports and was a member of a football team at work and at the Church Inn, Bury.

He also played in another team alongside his father, Pat Harrison, who he always described as his best friend. Mr Harrison, of Forth Avenue, Bury, who is divorced from Nick's mother, Anita, said: "It made him proud that we could play in a team together. We were more like best friends. We also played golf together and were members at Lowes Park course.

"One time we both took part in a competition and I came first and Nick had to take second prize. But he was over the moon for me, though."

Nick married Dawn in July, 2001, at Bury Parish Church, and the couple honeymooned in Turkey.

Dawn said: "He always said that his wedding day was the best day of his life. After our honeymoon in Turkey, we went to visit his brother, Paul, and my sister, Jill, who live together in Australia. We had talked about moving out there in the future.

"We didn't have any children but he thought of our cats as his kids. He doted on Paul and Jill's daughter, Chloe, and loved seeing her when we went to Australia."

The former St Gabriel's RC High School pupil joined the council at the age of 17 on a Youth Training Scheme, and gained various qualifications.

Dawn said: "Nick was always willing to listen to people. He loved his job, but was stressed at times. He loved the people that he worked with and cared about his colleagues and clients.

"They even bought him boxes of chocolates and cards on his wedding day. He considered the people who he served and tried to make life easy for everyone else."

Mr Harrison added: "As a teenager he helped a disabled friend who needed a special wheelchair in order to get around. He helped to organise a 50-mile sponsored walk to Blackpool with his family to raise £2,000 for the chair."

Colleagues at the council offices in Whittaker Street, Radcliffe, were shocked and saddened by Nick's death.

Ms Eleni Ioannides, director of social services, health and housing, said: "Nick was a very popular member of staff and well-liked by his colleagues. He was very active in the council: he was part of the football team, and well-known in other departments as well as housing.

"He is going to be sadly missed: everybody was shocked to hear of his death. We have written to his family to offer any support we can."

His mum, Anita, of Griffin Close, Bury, said: "Nick was an absolutely loving brother and son. He idolised his brothers, Paul and Pat."

His father added: "He brought joy to all the lives he touched. He made friends everywhere he went."