A window cleaner plunged to his death from a block of flats after trying to clean a kitchen window, an inquest heard.

Stephen Wainwright was working at a flat in Wells Court, Ilkley, when he fell over a balcony, Bradford Coroners Court was told.

At a short hearing yesterday, corner's officer Leslie Scaife said that Mr Wainwright had gone out onto the balcony to clean the outside of the kitchen window. Mr Scaife said Mr Wainwright was leaning on a wooden barrier on top of the balcony when he fell.

Neighbours ran to his aid but Mr Wainwright, of Trafalgar Road, Ilkley, was pronounced dead at Airedale Hospital at Steeton near Keighley.

Many floral tributes left at the scene at Wells Court, in Wells Road, pay testimony to the popularity of the 44-year-old.

Mr Wainwright's mother Pat Macpherson said her son would be remembered for many other things as well as the job he did.

She proudly displays the many fine drawings and cartoons he had completed over the years. They included pictures of many Ilkley buildings and bridges, as well as cartoons and caricatures of friends, fellow pub regulars and members of his beloved Leeds United soccer team.

Mrs Macpherson, 63, said: "He was so clever as an artist and a great snooker player as well."

Mr Wainwright had been born in Otley and moved to Ilkley with his mum when he was six. He was a former pupil of Sacred Heart School and St Mary's School, Menston. He later studied art at Keighley College.

Mrs Macpherson, who lives in Norwood Terrace, Burley-in-Wharfedale, with Stephen's step-father Alistair said she had been very close to her son.

"He was just a wonderful son," she said. "We have never fallen out or had a cross word."

Mrs Macpherson's twin sister Sadie Flower arrived on Tues-day from her home in Toronto, Canada, to be with the family.

Mrs Flower said: "Stephen was such a lovely lad with a great sense of humour.

The funeral will take place at 11am on Wednesday at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Stockeld Road, Ilkley.

The inquest was adjourned by coroner Roger Whittaker for a report from the Health and Safety Executive.