TRIBUTES have been paid to the musician John Renbourn, a founding member of the folk supergroup Pentangle, who has died at the age of 70.

Renbourn was found dead at his home in Hawick after concerns were raised when he failed to turn up for a concert at The Ferry in Glasgow on Wednesday night.

Police officers discovered the musician's body when fears were raised over his wellbeing. Although the exact cause of hid death has not been revealed, officers said there were no suspicious circumstances.

The guitarist was regarded as one of the finest folk musicians in the world and achieved worldwide fame during the 70s and 80s touring both with the group and on his own.

His manager Dave Smith spoke of his shock at Renbourn's sudden death, and said that he had been an inspiration to musicians around the world.

Mr Smith said: "I've known him for twenty years and he was a good friend as well as a client. It's really terrible news.

"He did not show for his concert and that was completely unlike him, so we had to notify the police who went round to his house.

"It is all very sudden. His family are all over the place and my thoughts go out to them."

Renbourn, already an established solo performer, formed Pentangle with Jacqui McShee, Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson and Terry Cox in 1967, and stayed with the band until it split up in 1973.

He returned to solo work and also pursued his long-time interest in classical music, and studied for a degree at Dartington College of Arts during the 1980s.

He continued to perform and tour, including trips to the States and Japan, and formed a partnership with the guitarist Wizz Jones, who was due to play alongside him in Glasgow.

Renbourn's manager said: "He was working right up to the end and loved what he was doing. He was never a difficult guy to get along with and always had time to teach other guitarists, especially during regular workshops and weekend schools he hosted throughout the world."

A spokesman for The Ferry said: "We are all very sad and shocked by John Renbourn's passing. He had played here annually for around five years and was well-liked in Glasgow.

"We'd like to pass on our condolences to his family".