THE family of a Burnley magistrate killed in a gliding accident today spoke of his "warmth and friendship."

David Rukin, 44, of Pendle Drive, Whalley, died soon after taking off from Bowland Forest Gliding Club, in Chipping on Saturday.

The accident also claimed the life of his friend and fellow gliding instructor, Martin Moss, 55, of Penwortham, who was piloting the plane.

Mr Rukin had been a member of the gliding club since early 1989. He had been an instructor since 1994 and was deputy chief flying instructor from 1999.

He worked as a senior valuer since leaving university in 1978 and had been based in Burnley and Lancaster and for the last few years in Preston.

Mr Rukin also served as a magistrate for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale as a magistrate.

In a statement, his family said: "Coming from a close and loving family, David leaves Patsy, a wife and soulsole mate of almost 30 years.

"His stepson, three sisters, brother and all their families will also miss his warmth, friendship and support."

Mr Rukin lived all but the last two years of his life in Burnley, where he attended both St Johns and St Theodores schools.

Mr Moss leaves a wife of 35 years, Beryl and a son and daughter, Darren and Josie.

Helen Meanwell, Deputy Justices Clerk (legal) for the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale bench, said everyone was saddened by Mr Rukin's death.

She said: "He was known for his quiet, measured and understanding approach and his loss will be keenly felt."

The Air Accident Investigation Team are investigating the causes of the crash which occurred at 1.30pm on Saturday. The self-propelled glider took off from Chipping and crashed soon after.

The findings of the Air Accident Investigation Team are to be passed on to the coroner and post mortem examinations are to be held later this week.