Tributes have poured in for a long-serving Clark Door employee who died after falling from Lambley Viaduct last month.

Adam Wharton, aged 34 of Brampton, was described by friends and colleagues as a “legend”, “star” “wonderful lad”.

Mr Wharton was pronounced dead by emergency services who responded to a report that a man had fallen from the viaduct near Haltwhistle on Friday December 27.

Mr Wharton was a long-serving employee at Clark Door, which makes custom steel doors at its base at Kingmoor Park, Carlisle.

He was part of the Clark Door team that picked up the Best Manufacturing and Flying the Flag for Cumbria awards at the in-Cumbria Business Awards 2019.

Its managing director Andrew Ashley said: “Adam Wharton has been with Clark Door for 18 years, he was well thought of by everyone here and will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Tributes to Mr Wharton were also shared on social media.

Memories of school were mentioned by Kirsty Marie, of Carlisle, who said: “It’s so sad, I have so many fun memories of him at school, sleep tight.”

Janet Bancroft wrote: “Adam, you were a star, shine bright now.

“Love to all the family of this wonderful lad.”

Expressing his feelings was Craig Boak, Carlisle, who said: “He was the best, so many good memories over the years. It’s a massive loss to so many people.”

Clare Latta said: “Fly high Adam, heaven’s gained a legend.”

Jenna Phillips described him as one of a kind, a big kid at heart and many memories made and he will be a massive miss to a lot of people.”

Kate Wareing commented, “Sleep tight Adam, you’ll be missed by so many definitely one of a kind.”

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “Emergency services attended but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.”

An inquest has been opened into his death.