Joseph Yates, 21, from Westgate, Leyland, was discovered in an industrial unit on Longmeanygate at around 8.45am on February 17. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.

The former Balshaws High School pupil and Preston College student, known as Joe, was a steel metal work apprentice at Leyland-firm Main Road Sheet Metal.

Stuart Innes, 39, foreman at the company and close friend, described the incident as a 'total tragedy'.

Hesaid: "Joe was a fantastic employee. I can't say enough good things about him.

"This has left a big hole in my workforce from the company's point of view, and as a friend.

"To be honest, words cannot explain how much I miss him at the moment. He was the best apprentice I've ever had. He was my favourite as well, which is killing me.

"There was nothing Joe wouldn't do for you. It is a total, total tragedy."

News of the incident was broken to the workforce at the firm as work began on Wednesday morning.

Stuart said: "Working alongside him was a privilege. I go the phone call and told the rest of my lads. Nothing got done that day, everyone was walking round in a daze.

"He had such a great future ahead of him. I expected him to spread his wings in five years' time and start hisownbusiness. He was so good, I knew I wouldn't have him for long.

"My heart goes out to his family, I can't imagine what they must be going through."

Joe, described by one of his friends as the 'arm wrestling king of Balshaws', showed a talent for metal work from a young age.

Examples of his work can still be seen on the walls of the Church Road school's art department.

Headteacher Jo Venn said: "Joe was a lovely lad who was very good with art and sculptures.

He was very good with his hands. He was well liked by all of his teachers and was well-known, especially in the art department.

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends at this sad time."