Tribute paid to roofer in canal death

A roofer who died after falling into a canal in South Staffordshire just days before his 40th birthday was today described as the "life and soul of the party" by his devastated family.

Michael Wright, aged 39, is thought to have fallen into the water at Swindon after a night out with friends at The Green Man pub on Saturday night.

His body was discovered by a boat owner on Sunday morning.

Family members today revealed Mr Wright, who was due to celebrate his birthday on Friday, had beaten bone cancer at the age of 21.

Mr Wright's younger sister, Stacey Shilvock, aged 29, from Trysull, said her brother was a former pupil at Edgecliff High School, Kinver.

He grew up in Swindon but recently moved to Wombourne.

Mother-of-three Mrs Shilvock continued: "Michael was the life and soul of the party and a real happy-go-lucky character.

"He loved his family and his friends.

"He also liked going camping and being outdoors."

She added her brother was planning to do a parachute jump for his birthday to raise money for a cancer charity and had never come to terms with losing his father, also Michael, to cancer three years ago.

It is believed self-employed roofer and cladder Mr Wright, of The Longlands, Wombourne, called a taxi to take him home on Saturday night but decided to walk instead with tragic consequences.

Police were called to the canal, between Wolverhampton and Dudley, where they discovered his body.Staffordshire Police has confirmed the death was not suspicious.

A post mortem was taking place later today.