TRIBUTES have been paid to kind-hearted man with a "keen passion for weightlifting" who died suddenly at a gym.

Paul Whitehouse, aged 51, passed away at TruGym at Weaver's Wharf in Kidderminster after suffering a heart attack.

Mr Whitehouse's family has said there was no known defibrillator in the immediate vicinity of the gym, but they understand someone was sent to collect one from the nearby M&S.

Paramedics tried to save him, but after an hour of trying they had to stop their efforts as "nothing could be done."

Mr Whitehouse died at around lunchtime on Saturday, March 30. The family said he had a post-mortem on Monday, April 8 which stated he died as the result of a heart attack.

In a statement, Mr Whitehouse's family said: “We are both shocked and devastated following Paul’s sudden death.

"He was such a kind person who would see the good in everyone, always displaying a smile and never taking anything too seriously.

"There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to help family and friends.

"We knew he was popular locally but since his death we’ve been overwhelmed with the hundreds of messages we’ve received.

"Paul spent much of his time in the gym, where he had a keen passion for weightlifting.

"He was a big fan of Liverpool and always had a keen interest in football, in his younger years he won many trophies whilst playing as a talented midfielder.

"He was just 51 when he died and fit as a fiddle. His passing has highlighted just how precious and incredibly fragile life is, and why it is so important people enjoy their lives. What happened to Paul was tragic, we will miss him so much.

"Rest in peace, Paul - you’re now with your Mum (Madeline) someone you were so close to and missed so much since she died in 2017. God bless you.”

Leigh Whitehouse, a Wyre Forest district councillor, who is Mr Whitehouse's nephew, said: "Paul, or ‘Widda’ as he was known by friends, was a much loved and popular person.

"He was kind, caring and liked to live an uncomplicated life".

Friend Paul Hart said: "From the moment we met many years ago we never kept out of touch because he was a truly genuine, beautiful person".

Claire Dignam said: "Paul Whitehouse had a very special place in my heart. Such a wonderful man. Always got a smile on his face. He was like a younger brother. Will miss you Paul".

Catherine Marie said: "I am so sorry to read this, he was such a kind and lovely man, always made you laugh".

Daz Milton said: "Paul was such an amazing person, had some great times at the gym together, you will be sadly missed, my good friend".

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a medical emergency at TruGym in Kidderminster at 1.05pm on March 30th.

"Two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a man.

"Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene".