A NEW Year party ended in tragedy when a Bolton man fell off a yacht and drowned.

Paul Shrigley, who had been partying with friends, toppled from the boat into the sea off Kawau Island in New Zealand.

His body was found two hours later after a search by coastguards.

Mr Shrigley, aged 51, who worked as a builder in Bolton before leaving for New Zealand 15 years ago, had spent New Year's Eve on board the boat, which was owned by friends.

Mr Shrigley and his wife, Kay, had gone to bed in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Mrs Shrigley heard him wake up and leave his cabin.

She then heard him on deck and raised the alarm at 4am when he failed to return to bed and could not be found.

Mr Shrigley, who lived in Green Avenue, Great Lever, moved to New Zealand to be with his older brother, Tony, about 15 years ago.

He lived in Auckland with his wife and four step-children, John, Rachel, Hayden and Sian.

Death notices placed in the New Zealand Herald by friends, colleagues and family described him as "an inspiration.

One said: "A man who lived life to the full, had a heart of gold and was loved by all. "

It is thought Mr and Mrs Shrigley travelled to the island, 45 miles north of Auckland, on New Year's Eve before boarding the boat.

The boat was moored in picturesque Bon Accord Harbour, a popular spot with sailors, when Mr Shrigley went missing.

Mr Shrigley's body was found at Harris Bay in the harbour just before 6am, about two hours after his wife reported him missing. His funeral was held last week in New Zealand.