THE family of a man who died after falling from a disused railway bridge have paid tribute to a "real character".

Antony Ratcliffe, aged 36, died after falling from the bridge at Haresfinch Road on the morning of Monday, May 9.

He was the second of three children, leaving behind older sister Lisa, 39 and younger sibling Kerry, 27, mum Sheila, 59 and dad Michael, 65.

Heartbroken mum Sheila, from Parr, said: "Ant was such a character and he was the perfect child.

"He liked to dance wherever we took him, when we went abroad or anywhere. He was a brilliant lad and well-mannered."

She added: "He was always conscious of other people and if he was sat somewhere he'd get up and let others sit down."

Antony, who suffered from epilepsy and had regular fits, attended Parr High School and trained to be a chef at St Helens College.

Sister Lisa Hammet, 39, added: "Whenever there was a party it was always Ant who was the heart and soul and our cousins would just love to follow him.

"When he was at college the teacher knew he had so much potential and even wanted to take him to his house to teach him."

Flowers had been left at the scene on Haresfinch Road including one which read: "Rest in peace love. Love auntie Jack and uncle Paul."

Police confirmed they are treating his death as unexplained but not suspicious.

The coroner said an inquest has been opened and adjourned until August.