AN EATON Ford man killed in an industrial accident last week will be remembered as “a true gentleman”, say his friends.

Nigel Sewell, 57, was killed by falling equipment while at work in Bassingbourn on September 19.

Friend Anthony Watling said Mr Sewell’s death had been a “complete tragedy” that had left his many friends and family in shock.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about Nigel. He was what you would call a true gentleman,” said Mr Watling.

“He was someone who liked the finer things in life – he was a good cook, he enjoyed wine, liked to travel.

“We had been lifelong friends, ever since I was a boy.”

Mr Sewell, of Mill Hill Road, worked for Royston-based Universal Builders Supply. The circumstances of his death are being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

More than 30 people, including Mr Sewell’s wife Carol, gathered at The Barley Mow in Eaton Ford on Friday night to remember him.

Mr Watling, who became friends with Mr Sewell through a shared interest in fishing, said: “One of the last times I saw him he was talking about maybe retiring in a couple of years, and how he might get back into his fishing.

“He and Carol could have enjoyed the next few years.

“I just can’t believe what happened – it is such a shock. It’s a tragedy.”

Mr Sewell was well known in angling circles, and was a vital member of the Hotrods team for many years.

Fizz Drake, of Stanjay Sports in Godmanchester, said: “He was an extremely talented angler but what everyone who knew him remembers first is what a kind, genuine and lovely person he was.

“Nigel had not fished seriously for some years but maintained regular contact with many of his angling friends, by whom he will be badly missed.”

Mr Sewell’s funeral will take place on Monday at Cambridge Crematorium west chapel at 12.45pm. His family has asked for donations to be made to the St Neots and District Angling Society.