AN inquest is due to open this week after two Forest fliers died when their microlight aircraft crashed on a flight from Over to Leominster.

Air Accident Investigation officers are also going over the wreckage to find out what caused Rex Paddock of English Bicknor and Mark Taylor of Berry Hill to plunge to their deaths.

Rex was well known to the rally fraternity as an expert car-restorer, and it is believed the pair were flying in a machine he had constructed himself.

Forest Rally star Nik Elsmore was among the first to pay tribute to both men but particularly Rex who, he says, was like a 'second father' to him.

"I didn't just have one dad – I had two," said Nik. "We were very, very close. It is a particularly sad time for all concerned. There is no clue about what went wrong and we will all have to wait for the air accident investigation which might take six months.

"Dad (Graham Elsmore) has been round to Mark's family and I know both families are going through a particularly hard time."

Mark Taylor was also an experienced Microlight flier and had his own landscaping business.

Both men had taken apprenticeships at Five Acres Garage in Coleford in their younger days.

Rex leaves his wife, Lynne, and daughter Jessica, 28, while Mark leaves his wife Annie, his son William, 9, who often accompanied him on flying trips, and daughter Amelia, 12.