The grieving family of a worker killed in an industrial accident at a Norfolk factory paid tribute last night to a “family man” who was “into everything.

The grieving family of a worker killed in an industrial accident at a Norfolk factory paid tribute last night to a “family man” who was “into everything.”

John Hulme, 61, died in an incident at a meat factory belonging to Brooks of Norwich Ltd at little Melton last Wednesday.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Norfolk Police are investigating the circumstances of Mr Hulme's death but it is believed the chief engineer for Noble Foods, based at Bilsthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire, was collecting machinery.

His family from Bulwell, Notts, including his 28-year-old son, 25-year-old daughter and a granddaughter aged five, paid tribute to the “family man”.

His son said: “He was a man who was into everything. He had a yacht, he loved his golf, he used to go on shoots, lots of different things in his leisure time. He was so active and set a great example for his children.

“He has left behind a heartbroken family.

Mr Hulme's brother-in-law, Steve Reddish, said: “We are totally devastated. “He was always so friendly and did the best he could for his family.”

Mr Hulme, known as Alan to those he met in the 1970s, was born in Halifax and lived in Nottingham for most of his adult life. He was also an amateur pilot.

He lived at St John's Court, Carlton and had been working as a chief engineer for Noble Foods since 1986.

Mr Hulme was pronounced dead at Brooks shortly before 1pm last Wednesday. An ambulance spokesperson said he sustained head injuries in a fall.

The HSE and detectives from Norwich CID, led by Det Sgt Arthur O'Neill, are now working to establish the circumstances of Mr Hulme's death. He was responsible for several plants for the company and was a highly skilled employee.

A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “The joint investigation is at a relatively early stage and will continue over the coming weeks.”