TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man who died at Taunton Bus Station.

Iain Mitchell, 32, from Chard, was found dead at the station on Tuesday, August 7.

One man was arrested but has since been released as Avon and Somerset Police is not treating his death as suspicious.

Mr Mitchell had been living at a farm in Somerton but had previously been using the services at Taunton’s homelessness charity Arc.

The charity said Iain was a well-known ‘friendly’ character around Lindley House and was willing to help anyone. He was a keen volunteer, taking part in fundraising events such as collections at Taunton Carnival.

A spokesman for Arc, formally Taunton Association for the Homeless, said: “Although Iain moved away from our services towards the start of the year, he made a great impression on both staff and fellow residents during his time at Lindley House.

“Iain was a friendly and caring character, always wanting to meet new people, make friends and spare a helping hand.

“While using our services, Iain volunteered his time often, getting involved with fundraising events as well as taking part in activities such as gardening and baking. On behalf of staff and clients at Arc, Iain will be greatly missed and we wish to send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Iain left Taunton to take part in a Somerset County Council shared lives scheme, which provides a family home for adults with learning or physical disabilities.

Iain took part in an interview as the County Gazette prepared to launch its £40,000 campaign to help fund Arc’s Outreach service.

During an interview at Lindley House shortly before Iain moved to Somerton he explained why volunteering was so important to him.

He said: “I help out at carnivals and fundraising events, I like to be able to give back.

“TAH has helped me progress through Shared Lives, they’ve helped me a lot and I want to thank them.

“I am going to miss everyone so much.”

Elsewhere in Somerset, Iain’s friendly character shone through.

Dave Bulmer, former mayor of Chard, said he knew Iain through his work as a councillor.

He said: “We met quite a few times in Chard previously, and I had spoken to him a number of times before he moved up to Taunton.

“It is just a great shame to hear about what has happened.

“Of course we don’t know the circumstances around this, but my deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the family. I think they must be shocked and equally saddened.”

“He respected himself and he always came across as very friendly.”