TRIBUTES have been paid to a former school teacher who was 'much-loved by the paragliding community' following his death on a Lake District mountain over the weekend.

Malc (Malcolm) Grout, a former school teacher at Cockermouth School, took early retirement in 2015 to pursue his passion of teaching paragliding full time in the Lake District until he retired in 2020.

In an emotional tribute, Malcolm's long time friend of 30 years Gordie Oliver said: "With the deepest of regrets, my Lakeland flying buddies and I lost one of our most cherished friends at the weekend.

"Malc Grout was flying with friends above his beloved Lakeland Fells, on an early season XC from Carrock. Soaring Foule Crag north of Sharp Edge on Blencathra early Sunday afternoon, our dear friend was taken from us and flew his last flight.

"Malc has touched so many in our small flying community. His loss will be felt deeply and the shock of it will take some time to comprehend.

"A long serving committee member, instructor, tandem pilot, club coach, friend and highly experienced and respected pilot.

"His legacy, albeit far too early, is a lesson to us all; to generously give everything to help others and share the passion for life and flight every minute of every precious flyable day."

Keswick MRT, GNAAS, RAF MRT, and Coastguard helicopter were called out to Blencathra on Sunday, February 25 at 2.01pm after police had received calls from walkers who had seen a paraglider crash into a crag on the mountain.

Helimed 58 and the Coastguard helicopter quickly deployed and lifted Keswick team members close to the casualty location, but sadly 'nothing more could be done' to save him. 

In a statement on social media, the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: "Rest in peace, Malc Grout.

"On Sunday afternoon our critical care team attended a paragliding incident on Blencathra, which sadly involved a gentleman called Malc, a well-known individual who was much-loved in the paragliding community, and known and loved by members of our critical care team.

"Sadly, Malc's injuries following the incident were too severe, and he passed away despite our experienced team's best efforts.

"We'd like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and the paragliding community he was deeply routed in, who have supported our service in the past."

Tributes were also paid to Malcolm by the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, who described Malc as 'a friend to a number' of members of the team.

In a statement, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the man’s family and friends. He was a well known figure in the lakes paragliding community, and a friend to a number of Keswick MRT members.

"Many thanks to the rapid response and support from H58, Coastguard helicopter and the RAF."