TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved dad, colleague and friend who has passed away unexpectedly aged 54.

Mark Cook worked at Tony's Skip Hire as a lorry driver for 18 years where his work took him across the Stroud district.

The dad of four was well-known in the community and popular with colleagues and customers in his work.

Paying tribute, James Goatman, director at Tony's Skip Hire, said: "Mark was very much the face of Tony's Skip Hire.

"His friendly and personable disposition meant he was popular and well-liked by customers and staff alike.

"We and his family are devastated by his passing. We all miss him dreadfully.

"A most dependable and loyal friend and colleague, he was one of a kind and will be an extremely hard act to follow."

Mark, who lived in Dursley, passed away after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest on Monday morning while he was at the home of close friends Charlie and Sarah Dodson, and with colleague Mr Goatman before starting work.

Ambulance crews, including the Great Western Air Ambulance treated Mark at the home in Sharpness, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Dodson, who described Mark as a 'lovely chap' who was 'funny and entertaining', said: "We are all totally shocked.

"He came in the morning for his cup of tea before work as he always did when he said he had chest pains and shortly after that he collapsed.

"Sarah, my daughter, called the ambulance services and they did everything they could.

"We are thinking of his family and children.

"It is heartbreaking.

"He will be greatly missed."

Mark's funeral will be held at Gloucester Crematorium next Thursday, June 2 at 10.30am. All are welcome.

Tony's Skip Hire is encouraging donations to the Great Western Air Ambulance charity. Visit greatwesternairambulance.com to donate.

Anybody who would like to pay tribute can email Saul Cooke-Black on scb@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk