A MODEL with "a cheeky smile" and everything to live for has been found dead in bed by a friend who broke into his home.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of 32-year-old Adam Maden, which has left family and friends stunned and heartbroken.

Adam, of High Town, Whitewell Bottom, worked as a stone mason for Acorn Stone Merchants, Nelson, but was also a bouncer in Accrington and Rawtenstall and was well known throughout East Lancashire for his martial arts skills.

He was discovered on Friday by a friend who climbed in through his bedroom window after he had not been seen for two days.

His mum, Jean, said Adam -- the "light of their lives" -- was found in bed clutching a TV remote control.

Jean, 60, said: "He did some catalogue modelling and I made cuttings because I was so proud of him. They loved his cheeky smile and with him being six feet as well he was just what they were looking for.

"He was offered a contract to go working abroad but didn't end up taking it because he had a girlfriend at the time and didn't want to leave her behind. If he'd have gone he would have been made.

"He was so fit and full of life that we really don't know what could have happened to him.

"We just can't believe he has gone. I am speaking about him as if he was still here and keep expecting to see him any minute. He was known and loved by so many people that the heartache is unbearable.

"He touched so many people in his lifetime. He lived life to the full and just loved meeting new people.

"The children loved him, the women loved him and his friends adored him. We have had so many phone calls and so many cards and flowers sent to us it has been overwhelming.

Adam's family are waiting to find out the cause of his death today after a post mortem examination was carried out but it is not believed to be suspicious.

His parents including his six older brothers and sister are still coming to terms with his sudden and tragic death.

Adam, a former pupil at Fearns High School, Bacup, was well known throughout the country for participating in kick boxing, Tai 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 agencies books.

Jean said she wastrying to stay strong for her husband Ken, 65, Adam's brothers, Mark, Glen, Graham, Anthony, Grant, Trevor and his sister Tina.

She said: "He was such a loveable and calm person, that even though he was a bouncer he didn't like aggression and would always be the one to calm the situation. Adam had recently moved into his house in Whitewell Bottom after moving out from his parents home in Booth Crescent, Waterfoot, and was spending most of his spare time decorating.

His parents were the last people to see him on Wednesday night when he called round to their house.

The family are awaiting the results of Adam's post mortem examination before making any funeral arrangements.