THE body of a York grandfather lay undiscovered in his flat during what would have been his 64th birthday, the Evening Press has learned.

Michael Cager, who lived in the Walmgate area, was found dead in his flat by police. His body had been lying there for several weeks.

The 63-year-old, who worked at Marks & Spencer, in Pavement, York, had suffered a heart attack.

Birthday cards were among the mail delivered to Mr Cager's flat over the weeks he was missing.

Mr Cager's daughters, Louise Cook and Claire Nicholls, today paid tribute to their father, who worked as a production assistant and floor manager in BBC light entertainment for several years.

Shows he worked on included Last Of The Summer Wine, The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, Dr Who, and series involving the legendary comic Spike Milligan.

He was also involved with the hugely popular 25th anniversary episode of Last Of The Summer Wine.

Ms Cook, 36, of Brighton, said: "He was a quiet, private and gentle man with a wry sense of humour. He will be very much missed.

"He did love his work and the happy family atmosphere that existed on the Last Of The Summer Wine set."

A Marks & Spencer spokeswoman said Mr Cager had been given leave of absence by the store in the weeks before his death.

She said: "We are very sad to hear about his death. He will be missed."

Helen Berrill, spokeswoman for Age Concern York, said: "We are very sorry to hear what happened to Mr Cager. We hope this will make people think a little bit more about keeping an eye on their elderly neighbours. If you haven't seen them for a while then try and find out what has happened to them."

Mr Cager was found after officers broke into his flat. The alarm had been raised by a concerned neighbour who had repeatedly tried, and failed, to contact him.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, June 19, 2003