THE family of popular Liskeard footballer Adam Billing and his wide circle of friends are still in shock and coming to terms with his sudden and tragic death.

Twenty-seven-year-old Adam was found dead after a fall from the Moorswater Viaduct last Wednesday.

A former student at Liskeard School and Community College, where he is remembered for his sporting abilities, he went on to play for Cornwall Youth, was in the youth set-up at Plymouth Argyle, and played locally for Dobwalls and Liskeard Athletic.

The son of Bill and Karen Billing, Adam also has a sister, Shelley, and a nephew, Harley.

Many tributes have been written on Facebook and Twitter as Adam's friends come to terms with their loss. His girlfriend Jenny Dodds wrote: 'Love all the photos everyone has uploaded, it's so nice to see the great times he's had with you all. I'll always love you Adam you were my soulmate. RIP baby.'

Heartfelt sympathy to the family on behalf of Liskeard AFC has been expressed by the president Nancy Rawlings.

'We are sad this has happened,' she said, 'and we send all the family our condolences and are thinking of them. Adam was a very talented player who had played for the first team on occasions.

'He was a very polite young man, a gentleman in fact, who always called me Mrs Rawlings, never Nancy. He will be greatly missed.'

Roger Quaintance, Adam's former PE teacher at Liskeard School and Community College, who was also his football team-mate, has paid a special tribute on behalf of himself and his many friends.

He said: 'I have very fond memories of Adam, firstly as his physical education teacher, and more latterly as a team-mate when playing for Liskeard Athletic Football Club (LAFC). While at the school, Adam excelled in PE and was particularly adept in team games, namely football, rugby and cricket. He was a key personality and leader in his year group's unparalleled high level of success in those three sports, which led to local, county and national honours for Adam and his team-mates.

'On the sports field Adam took a highly competitive approach, leading by example. In short, he always played to win. Off the field, however, he was a gentleman who also enjoyed the social aspects of team sports.

'This was where I came to know Adam once he left school, as a fellow team-mate while playing for LAFC. We enjoyed many years of success together and more recently Adam turned his hand to football management and to refereeing and coaching for the Liskeard Junior Football section. He was always prepared to give something back to the game: a man with a huge personality who will be sadly missed.'

A celebration of Adam's life is to be held at St Martin's Parish Church, Liskeard, on Thursday, April 26, at noon, to be followed by private interment. There will be family flowers only but donations if desired are for Cornwall Air Ambulance.