Tributes have been made to a man who was killed in a plane crash after climbing Ben Nevis to raise money for Shooting Star Chase, the children’s hospice charity based in Weybridge.

Tony Woodward, 62, and his friend Bob Archer, 57, died when their light aircraft crashed two miles off the coast of Skipness, in Scotland, on Thursday (May 25).

Police Scotland confirmed their names but could not confirm where the pair was from.

Mr Woodward’s family released a statement on the JustGiving page set up for the expedition, which read: “After completing the epic journey up Ben Nevis, tragically Tony and one of the other walkers, Bob, died in a light aircraft crash on their way home. This was devastating news for all involved, but we are hoping that people will dig deep and contribute what they can to this amazing charity that he passionately supported.

“The total immediately after the climb was around £2,600, plus a secret stash of a few hundred in cash donations that Tony was collecting privately. We're so pleased that people have continued to give in their memory. Tony would, and the charity will, appreciate every penny.”

The page has so far received over £4,600 in donations.

Bedfont logistics company Mapcargo, where Mr Woodward worked, also released a statement on their website.

It read: “Tony was a great character and could never do enough for the staff, family or local charities. He was a great part of our team and loved by all. Our prayers and condolences go out to Tony’s family, Valerie, Nathan and Mel, in the hope they can get some comfort in knowing how he touched everyone he met in such a positive way.”

Piers Vimpany, Acting Chief Executive at Shooting Star Chase, said: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Tony and Bob.

“Tony's company Mapcargo is very much part of the Shooting Star Chase family as one of our community business partners, and Tony had recently visited one of our hospices to see our work first hand.

“Shooting Star Chase would like to express their sincere condolences to Tony and Bob's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”