Tributes have been paid to a popular young Poulton man who was found dead in a pond close to his home.

Ben Murgatroyd, 20, was discovered in the water close to his home in Mains Lane, last Thursday.

Police are treating his death as an accident.

The former St Aiden’s High School pupil, who also used the nickname Cecil, had trained to be a croupier on a specialist Blackpool and The Fylde College course and worked at The Circus, on North Promenade.

Police were called to scene at 2.20pm on Thursday, November 13, after a passer-by made the discovery.

Later, an underwater search team attended the area to help with inquiries.

Police say Mr Murgatroyd may have lost his footing while walking during wet weather.

Mr Murgatroyd has not been seen since the previous Sunday and had been staying at his mother Lucy’s house, while she was on holiday.

Police have passed on details of the death to the coroner's office.

Friends of Mr Murgatroyd, who was described as ‘very funny and fun-loving’ have been using social networking site Facebook to pay tribute to him.

As of yesterday, the group created to honour him had 343 members and 93 tributes had been posted.

The creator of the group, Dalbir Sandhu wrote: “You couldn't get a guy better then Ben.

“He was always up for anything, always had a smile, and wouldn't say anything bad to anyone.”

A former colleague of Ben’s, Neil Pickworth, wrote: “Ben was one of the nicest and kindest guy I have had the pleasure of working with.

“Absolutely shocked to hear the news. Rest In peace Ben, you will be sadly missed.”

* Comment below to pass on your condolences to the family of Ben Murgatroyd.