A CHIEF pilot today paid tribute to a colleague found dead at his home.

Steven Mowle, a 47-year-old pilot with Britannia Airways, had worked for the Luton-based airline for 22 years.

Mr Mowle was found hanging in a barn at his Copy House Farm home by a neighbour who was calling in on him.

A police spokesman said Mr Mowle lived at the isolated farmhouse, off Bleara Road, Earby, on his own.

Police were called to the scene at 10.35am on Saturday and cordoned off the area while investigations were carried out.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and Acting East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor has been informed.

The coroner was due to open an inquest into his death today at Burnley Magistrates Court.

His captain, Chris Turner, Britannia's chief pilot, has worked alongside Mr Mowle for the majority of his career.

Captain Turner said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we learned of the tragic death of Captain Steve Mowle on Saturday.

"Steve was a much liked and respected member of our pilot workforce and he will be very much missed throughout the whole of Britannia Airways. He will be particularly missed at Manchester and Gatwick, from where he did most of his flying."