Tributes to builder after trench death

Andrew Lancaster, 23, of Calverley, near Leeds, died when the trench caved in on Monday, despite efforts to save him.

Ryan Milner, 23, often worked with Mr Lancaster, who was known as Drew, and said: "We'll never get over losing Drew. He was the centre of our group. He was the organiser and the sorter. Everything revolved around him. It's really hit us hard."

Mr Lancaster was one of a group of eight friends, including Hereford United footballer Joe Colbeck, who did everything together from holidays to football.

His best friend Mark Rhodes, 24, said: "Drew was always up for a laugh. He had a smile a mile wide. He worked hard but partied harder. We will all miss him so much. He was a legend.

"He lived for Leeds United and loved football. He was made captain of Pudsey United and it was his first game as captain on Sunday.

"He was really close to his family, he more or less ran his dad's business and he adored his brother, Jon, who races formula Renault cars for GP World Series. He was such a giving lad who would do anything for anyone. He was a credit to his family."

Mr Lancaster was working for his father's firm, trying to try to repair an underground pipe off Bingley Road, Heaton, when the tragedy happened, just after 11am.

A post mortem revealed he died of head injuries.

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police and officers from the Health and Safety Executive are investigating.