FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a Barrow dad who died after jumping hundreds of feet into a water-filled quarry.

Chris Maitland, known to his friends as Fudd, died after leaping into Hodge Close Quarry at Coniston.

Emergency services were called to the scene after the 30-year-old jumped from the edge of the former slate mine.

Mr Maitland, a former Parkview School pupil, was later found dead, police said.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money to give to his family for the funeral said Mr Maitland "lost his life doing what he loves - making memories, being crazy, and enjoying life".

Hundreds of pounds towards the £4,000 target had been raised within a few hours of the page being created.

You can donate HERE .

The page, set up by Emma Bakewell, said: "We lost a father, son, brother and friend. Fudd, as we all know him, will be missed.

"He lost his life doing what he loves doing - making memories, being crazy, and enjoying life.

"I personally know he would do anything for anyone.

"His life, although short, should be celebrated the way he loved it.

"I know money is tight and we possibly might not reach our goal but any amount you can spare would be appreciated to give to his family and help towards giving back to him when he gave us so much by just being Fudd."

Mr Maitland was father to son Jackson.

Police Community Support Officer Debbie Ross warned members of the public to stay away from the quarry’s edge after Tuesday's incident.

“If anything can come of this tragedy then it should be to make people aware of the dangers of doing things like this,” she said.

“The weather might be nice but there are obvious dangers.

“We’re trying to get the message out for community safety that people shouldn’t be jumping from quarries or bridges.”

Hodge Close Quarry, which has a 300 foot drop on one side, is one of the largest artificial holes in England. It has a myriad of old slate mine workings and tunnels popular with climbers and underwater diving enthusiasts from across the UK.

Rob Ingham, team leader of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team which was involved in the rescue operation, said the tragedy should act as a warning to people.

“Jumping into quarries can be lethal,” he said.

“You can’t see what’s under the water and the water is extremely cold. This is a tragic incident but these things can be avoided. It might be good fun for people but the consequences can be very serious.”

The former slate quarry ceased operating in 1964 after almost 200 years and is often explored by underwater divers.

Nick Fieldhouse, the owner of Windermere-based off-road driving experience Men of Kankku, is a regular visitor to the quarry and as an experienced scuba diver has explored the area.

"It's not a dangerous spot, if you have the right training and equipment, but you need to be aware of the risks and make sure you know what you're doing," Mr Fieldhouse said.

"It's terribly tragic and our condolences are with the man's family."