THE SON of popular radio presenter Richard Cartridge has been found dead outside his home.

James Cartridge, whose father has a weekday afternoon slot on BBC Radio Solent, is believed to have just returned from work at a restaurant when he died.

The body of the 29-year-old chef, originally from Eastleigh, was discovered lying at the bottom of steps leading up to his flat in the Dorset coastal town of Lyme Regis on Monday evening.

It is not yet known how he died, but the cause of death is not being treated as suspicious.

Richard Cartridge who has worked for the BBC since the 1970s, has been off the air since Tuesday. Paying tribute to his son, he said: "What has really struck me is how loved James was by people. He was a charismatic guy, he had a very generous nature and he was a wonderful man.

"He was loving and he was loved - a quite exceptional character. I know you expect his dad to say that, but he really was an exceptional bloke.

"He was last seen about 15 minutes before his death, by his boss, and was very happy and full of the joys of spring, which is how we'll remember him."

Richard, 56, who lives just outside Southampton, added: "It's difficult for all of us, especially considering how young he was, but the family is very supportive and close and that will get us through."

James was the middle child of three from Richard's first marriage to Carol. The presenter also has two younger children from his second marriage to former Meridian TV presenter Jane Wyatt. The couple later split up.

After this week's tragedy, Richard is expected to return to the airwaves on Monday.

A spokesman for BBC Radio Solent said: "Our thoughts are with Richard and his family at this sad time."

James' mother was unavailable for comment.

A coroner in Blandford Forum, Dorset, has opened and adjourned an inquest into the cause of death for a future date.

There will be a funeral service for James at the East Chapel of South-ampton Crematorium on Friday, July 29 at 2.20pm.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution is asked to make donations to Naomi House children's hospice at Sutton Scotney and they can be sent to Paul Capper Ltd, The Independent Funeral Director, Janet House, 42 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DT.