TRIBUTES have been paid to a firefighter who has been found dead.

John Ruddell's body was discovered on Sunday at a house in Miles Avenue, Stacksteads.

Police were called by Mr Ruddell's son, shortly after 9.30pm.The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Ruddell, 53, of Stacksteads, worked for Greater Manchester County Fire and Rescue Service at Rochdale.

A fire service spokesman paid tribute to Mr Ruddell. He said: "The tragic death of John Ruddell is a cause of great sadness for his friends at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, especially his colleagues at Rochdale.

"John joined the service in 1978 and served operationally at Bury, Ramsbottom and Rochdale. He also served at fire service headquarters in the communications department.

"Most recently he worked within the Community Fire Safety department at Rochdale."

Rochdale station manager Kevin Talbot said: "John was a very experienced and well respected crew manager who will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues."

Another colleague said: "John was an absolutely smashing bloke we're all completely shocked by the news of his death. Our thoughts go out to his family. "

A police spokesperson said: "An investigation is still ongoing, but we do not believe that the circumstances of this death were suspicious."