A Bradford University lecturer today paid tribute to an archaeology student who died after falling 150 feet from a Yorkshire Dales quarry face.

Darren Riddle, who had been taking part in a four-week archaeological field project near Malham in North York-shire was found dead at the foot of a 150ft quarry face in Langcliffe Quarry near Settle on Friday evening.

Mr Riddle, of Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, was last seen on Friday after leaving the group's accommodation at 5am for an early-morning walk.

The alarm was raised at 3.45pm after Mr Riddle failed to return.

After an extensive search by police, a cave-rescue team and an RAF helicopter, the 26-year-old's body was found in the disused quarry.

The mature student had just completed the first year of a four-year degree course at the university.

Today Carl Heron, Dean of Archaeological and Environ-mental Sciences at the university, said Mr Riddle would be "sorely missed".

"This is a tragic incident," said Mr Heron.

"Darren was a mature student who enjoyed his studies at Bradford.

"He was popular, with many interests and a bright future.

"He will be missed by his peers and staff alike.

"The university is doing everything possible to support his family and close friends at this difficult time."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Rae Lonsdale, of the Cave Rescue Organisation based at the nearby village of Clapham, said accidents at the quarry are rare.

"We searched both banks of the River Ribble and Stain-forth Beck," he said.

"We then turned our attention to the quarry.

"The last incident I heard about in the quarry was in the 1970s when a father and son got into trouble when they were climbing up the quarry face."

A Bradford University press officer said the students on the dig have decided to continue with the project and that counselling is available to anyone who requires it.