A COMMUNITY paid tribute yesterday to a respected farmer who was killed in a para-gliding accident while holidaying abroad.

Colin Mitchelson, 49, died when he and his pilot crashed into a mountainside in Turkey.

Members of the community where Mr Mitchelson farmed, near Tow Law, County Durham, have been devastated by the death of a person who was described as "a perfect man".

Auctioneer Harry Vickers led the praise for Mr Mitchelson, whose family had traded through his auction house, Tow Law Auction Mart, for more than three decades.

"He will be extremely missed by more than me. Colin was an extremely able stockman, particularly with cattle. I used to see him at least once a week on average when he sold cattle with us.

"We had a very, very good business relationship," he said.

One friend, who declined to be named, said: "He was a daredevil, but a more perfect man you would not meet. He would do anything for you - anything to help anybody."

Mr Mitchelson's family are said to be deeply affected by the tragedy, particularly his father, Kingsley, known affectionately as "King Mitch".

Mr Mitchelson had been on holiday with his wife, Susan, and had extended their ten-day trip because they were enjoying themselves so much. He had spoken of his desire to para-glide before the end of the holiday.