ONE of South Lakeland's most prominent councillors has paid tribute to her son after he fell to his death from a balcony in a Manchester suburb.

Cllr Pru Jupe, the vice-chairman of South Lakeland District Council, said she is struggling to come to terms with the death of 39-year-old Ben Beever, who sustained fatal injuries in the tragic accident at his home in Chorlton.

Cllr Jupe, who represents Arnside and Beetham on the district council, described her son, a talented juggler and bridge player, as an 'unusual young man' who was 'eccentric' but loved what he did.

"He lived an alternative lifestyle but that was his choice," said the barrister. "He never really grew up and was a perpetual Peter Pan.

"He was a lovely person and one of life's innocents who wasn't interested in material possessions.

"He loved to come visit because it's such a contrast from where he was living."

Mr Beever, who had a Masters of Mathematics and a Masters in Cognitive Science, was well-respected in both the juggling and bridge circles.

He ran a number of bridge lessons in the Manchester area and was chairman of Bramhall Bridge Club.

The qualified maths teacher was also the author of Ben’s Guide To Juggling Patterns and greatly influenced the modern British ball juggling style.

"It all started when he was about 11 I got him three juggling balls as a Christmas present and it just took off from there," added Cllr Jupe.

"Whatever he set his mind too he would do to a genius level."

A tribute on eJuggle, the official publication of the international jugglers' association, said: "He was the second person to flash 12 balls on video and was the first person to flash 12 balls in all three of the typical patterns; sync, async, and wimpy. Ben also formerly held several ball passing world records.

"He was also known for his love of random juggling, the idea of actively avoiding any repeating pattern.

"Ben was much loved by those who knew him. He had a very positive outlook on life and will be greatly missed."

Emergency services were called to the property, on Wilbraham Road, just before 12.50am on July 4.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the North West Ambulance Service attended and he was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

GMP said there was no suspicious circumstances and that the case has now been passed to the coroner.

"He had a big family and everyone loved him so much," added Cllr Jupe. "We are all absolutely devastated because it was totally out of the blue.

"I feel as if I am just living in a bubble. Everything doesn't feel real."

A service will be held at The Manchester Crematorium, Barlow Moor Road, at 2pm on Thursday (July 23), followed by a reception at Manchester Bridge Club.

Donations in lieu of flowers at www.justgiving.com/BenjaminBeever.