Expert climber falls to his death

A SUPER-FIT father-of-two who has climbed mountains around the world fell to his death in the Lake District.

Brian Roberts (61) was walking with friends on Pavey Ark in the Langdale Valley on Wednesday when he slipped on ice and plunged 300ft.

His friends alerted the Langdale Valley Mountain Rescue Team who searched for Mr Roberts, of Oldham Road, Lydgate, by helicopter.

The former PE teacher, who worked at Longdendale Community Language College near Glossop, was airlifted to West Cumberland Hospital where he later died. Mr Roberts, a keen Latics fan and former Hulme Grammar School pupil, leaves wife Jenny and daughters Vicky (29) and Rachel (27).

Family friend Ray Simister said: “Brian was a very keen climber and walker and had travelled the world to indulge in his passion.

“He had just got back from the Himalayas where he had been climbing and has also been to Australia to tackle the mountains there.

“Since he retired, Brian enjoyed travel and walking around Saddleworth near his home as well as spending time with his family.

“This was a random accident and we are all in total and complete shock.

“We are absolutely stunned as he was such a fit and healthy man.

“Nobody can believe this happened to him in the Lake District when he has climbed some of the most dangerous mountains all over the world.”