A MAN taking his first flight in a microlight aircraft died on Saturday, when it crashed just after take-off.

Eamonn Hampsey a 41 year-old father-of-two of Cralves Mead, Tenbury Wells, was killed when the plane ploughed into a field at Nash, near Tenbury.

He was a passenger in the light aircraft being piloted by John Willett, aged 47, of West Bromwich, West Midlands.

Mr Willett also died in the accident.

Both men worked in the maintenance department of Kerry Foods, Burford, near Tenbury Wells.

The plane crashed into a field at 11.35am, within minutes of it taking off.

Mr Hamspey and Mr Willett were certified dead at the scene and investigations are being carried out jointly by West Mercia Police and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Police said: "Mr Hampsey was taking part in his first flight in a microlight."

Friends said Mr Hampsey was a keen sportsman, "extremely popular" and would be missed by all those who knew him.

Mr Hampsey had belonged to a number of sporting clubs in Tenbury, including the town's cricket club, where until last year, was treasurer.

Ben Bowkett, club president, said Mr Hampsey had lived in the town all his life and had many friends because he was "such a likeable man".

"He had a great sense of humour and was very popular," he added.

"He was a member of the cricket club for more than 25 years and loved sport.

"He played football, basketball and golf, so he knew a lot of people, all of who will really miss him."

Mr Bowkett added that the 41-year-old also had many other friends outside his sporting pursuits.

"It's not often someone remains in the town where they were born," he added.

"Because he was such a pleasant and likeable man he had many friends in the town. There will be a lot of people attending his funeral."

Doreen Coley, human resources manager at Kerry Foods, where Mr Hampsey was an engineer, said staff had been shocked by the deaths

Mr Willett the firm's engineering manager, was married with a family.

"Everyone is extremely sorry about the accident and all our feelings go out to both families," she said.

"They were both very good and loyal employees and will be greatly missed. We are devastated by the news and will be giving the families our full support."