A 38-YEAR-OLD scout leader has been found hanged at his home.

Carl Trevor Mason's body was discovered by his family in Stanley Range, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

The father-of-four and grandfather had been involved in St George's Scout group, Mill Hill, for the last six years.

St George's Scouts group leader John Kenyon said: ''He started off helping with the cub's football. He went on to be cub leader and then scout leader. He would do anything for anyone.''

Blackburn Scouts district commissioner Geoff Harrison said: ''I cannot speak more highly of him. He was a genuine leader and was well respected.''

Mr Mason was also vice-chairman of Blackburn and District Stroke Club, a social organisation set up to help stroke victims and their carers.

Club chairman Mrs Jean Clunas explained that he joined the club after he suffered a stroke. She said: ''He worked hard for the club. He was my right-hand man and will be greatly missed.''

Mr Mason had been running his own cookie and biscuit stall in Blackburn market before he died.

He leaves a wife, Denise, 46, and two sons, Christopher, 15, and Ian,12, and stepdaughters Joanne, 25, and Carmel, 24. He also leaves an 18-month-old granddaughter, Hannah.

His daughter, Carmel, said her mother and brothers were being comforted at her house in Blackburn.

She said the family was ''absolutely devastated'' by the death and did not know why it happened.

Inspector Bob Webster, of Blackburn police, confirmed Mr Mason had been found hanged and said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned until October 17.

The funeral is to take place at St George's Church, Mill Hill, on Friday.

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