EMPLOYERS of a former male model have told how his 'bubbly personality' will be sadly missed by all his workmates.

Adam Maden, 32, of High Town, Whitewell Bottom, was found dead at his home on Friday by a friend after he had not been seen for two days.

Adam, a former pupil at Fearns High School, Bacup, was well known throughout the country for participating in kick boxing, Thai boxing and karate competitions.

He worked as a bouncer alongside his brother, Anthony, at the Queen's, Bank Street, Rawtenstall, Opium, Willow Street and former club Funny's, in Blackburn Road, Accrington.

After being told by friends he should go into modelling he went to MMA modelling agency in Manchester about eight years ago and was chosen out of 60 people to go on the agency's books.

His mum, Jean Maden, 60, of Booth Crescent, Waterfoot, said he loved his work even though she didn't think he was the type to get his hands dirty.

She added: "Modelling really suited Adam's personality, so we were surprised when he went to work as a stone mason, but it turned out to be Adam's ideal job. He absolutely loved working there.

"We didn't think he would enjoy doing something where he had to get his hands dirty, but he loved it." The coroner has confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and is due to contact Adam's family later today with the cause of death.

A spokesman for Acorn paid tribute to Adam, saying: "Adam was a very competent stone mason and a popular member of staff, a colourful character with a bubbly personality, always laughing and joking and we will all miss him sadly."

The family will make funeral arrangements after receiving the result of the post mortem examination.