Helicopter crash pair named

Updated 18.57 Sun Jan 27 2008

Keywords: helicopter, crash

A couple who died after their helicopter crashed shortly after taking off has been named by police.

Paul Spencer, 43, was killed instantly alongside his wife Linda, 59, when their black Gazelle helicopter crashed in woodland in the grounds of Rudding Park Hotel near Harrogate on Saturday afternoon.

The couple, who lived in Brighouse, West Yorks, had recently returned from a holiday in the Caribbean

The couple, who lived in Brighouse, West Yorks, had recently returned from a holiday in the Caribbean.

They were regular visitors to the hotel and had dinner at the complex on Saturday.

A statement released by North Yorkshire Police said: "Paul and Linda Spencer were a wonderful couple who were devoted to each other and their family.

"They were hugely generous to all around them, often helping people who were less fortunate than themselves."

It continued: "From modest beginnings they built a successful business which operated throughout the UK employing hundreds of people.

"Their family and friends have been left devastated by the tragedy, but can take comfort that at the time of the accident they were in one of their favourite places together and doing something they both loved."

Post mortem examinations are due to take place in Harrogate on Monday.