THE family of a man found dead on Helvellyn last week are planning to make a 'significant contribution' to the mountain rescue team who organised the search for him.

Patterdale MRT co-ordinated the two-day hunt for Michael Flanagan, which at its height involved four mountain rescue teams, search dogs and an RAF helicopter.

New Zealand-born Mr Flanagan had come to the Lake District “to get some fresh air in a place that reminded him of his childhood home”, according to a friend.

Mr Flanagan’s best friend Roger Hart said he had taken a few days off work but “alarm bells rang with the family” when he failed to come home on Sunday January 11.

Mr Hart, who has known Mr Flanagan for 14 years, drove to the Lake District on the Monday morning to help in the search, but he was too late - search and rescue teams had found his friend's body that morning.

Mr Flanagan was the head of the foreign exchange desk at the National Australia Bank. He grew up in Napier on the north island of New Zealand and had lived in London for about 10 years.

He is survived by his wife Sarah and seven-year-old son William.

Mr Hart said: "He was a true gentleman who touched so many people with his character and his presence.

"There have been a lot of people saying how during this sad time we are comforted by memories of his kindness and generosity.

"He was a big man, the life of the party."

Mr Hart added: "It was a tragic accident that has shocked us all."