A MOVING tribute has been paid to a North-East man who died while hiking in Scotland.

Daniel Bennett’s boss described him as a remarkable individual with tremendous talents, an incredible colleague and a loyal friend.

Mr Bennett, 43, was last seen at The Green Welly Stop, near Tyndrum, in western Scotland, on Saturday lunchtime (March 21).

His body was found in the Ben Loss area on Tuesday afternoon. Police Scotland say there are no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Bennett was a software developer at Durham University’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), where he had worked since March 2002.

Professor Rob Coe, director of CEM, said: “Danny was a remarkable individual who in spite of his tremendous talents and expertise was very unassuming; he always had time to listen to others and was always eager to learn more.

“We have been privileged to have known and worked with Danny.

“He had a phenomenal talent. Danny has the legacy of truly being a game-changer for education and for technology in assessment.

“Danny was an incredible colleague and a wonderful, loyal and faithful friend to all who worked with him or came to know him.

“He touched so many lives in so many different ways and the sense of loss amongst those of us who knew him is palpable.

“Nothing was every too much for Danny, and no matter how difficult or challenging a situation became, he remained focussed on finding a solution whilst remaining gentle, polite and professional in his approach.

“Danny our colleague, friend and CEM footballer will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

“We feel deeply for Danny’s family and loved ones and our prayers and thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”