Former Burnley nightspot owner Mick Cookson has paid tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne, who has died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Mick met Liam several times at Funky Buddha club in London’s Mayfair. Mick built and designed the club for the owner, Paul Chung.

Mick said: “Liam was a great friend to Paul, who is my London family. News of Liam’s death was a great shock to wake up to, he was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and also my friends in London who are devastated.

“RIP Liam, you will be sadly missed by all.”

Former Burnley nightclub owner Mick Cookson has paid tribute to One Direction band member Liam Payne who has died in Argentina the age of 31. Mick met Liam several times at London's Funky Buddha club which Mick designed for their mutual friend Paul Chung

placeholder image — Former Burnley nightclub owner Mick Cookson has paid tribute to One Direction band member Liam Payne who has died in Argentina the age of 31. Mick met Liam several times at London's Funky Buddha club which Mick designed for their mutual friend Paul Chung

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Mick ran several iconic clubs in Burnley including Posh in Ormerod Street that later became Rum Jungle before closing in 2014. He also ran the successful Panama Joe’s and Mean Cat Daddies in Hammerton Street.

‘Panama’s’ featured on national and international television when the nightspot’s sister company, Ultimate Entertainment Agency, bought a collection of sumo wrestling suits to supply to the games and entertainment industry. Under his buildjng company, Mick Cookson Designs, Mick designed and built clubs, bars and casinos all over the world including the iconic Funky Buddha and several for NCL Cruiselines.