TRIBUTES have been paid to a "loving and caring family man" who tragically died after a fall while climbing in the Lake District with his young daughter.

Neil Hamblin, 47, of Keswick, was climbing on Raven Crag at Borrowdale with his eight-year-old daughter on Sunday, June 5 this year. 

Witnesses saw Mr Hamblin slip and fall back to the bottom of the crag.

He was found dead, having suffered severe head injuries, an inquest held on Tuesday (November 15) at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court heard.

The inquest heard the digital services manager at Lakes College in Workington enjoyed mountain biking - which is how he met his wife - as well as indoor and outdoor climbing.

His son shared his love for mountain biking while his daughter was an “excellent” climber, the court heard.

Mr Hamblin and his daughter had been camping together the night before the accident.

A nearby climber said while he couldn’t be sure, he was “fairly certain” Mr Hamblin was not attached to the rock and was free climbing at one point prior to his fall.

Coroner Nick Shaw said Mr Hamblin was an experienced climber, adding: "He must have been confident in what he was doing but accidents happen and in this case it has happened.

"It is absolutely tragic for his family."

Mr Hamblin was described as a "loving and caring family man" who had a strong bond with his children.

"If Neil was not biking or climbing, he would often be found in the kitchen baking," said his wife in a statement read out to the court.

"He always put everybody else before himself."

Mr Shaw said: "Neil was clearly full of life and energy and transmitted that to the kids.

"I do hope that this tragedy does not put them off leading outdoor and exciting lives as well," he added.

Mr Shaw recorded a conclusion of misadventure.