WARM tributes have been paid to a much-loved Yate 'superhero' who 'always put everyone before himself'.

Rikki Woods-Doughty, who was deputy security manager at Yate Shopping Centre for 12 years, died on Saturday from bowel cancer aged just 41.

Following a diagnosis on December 20, Rikki spent most of the Christmas period in hospital before being told on Wednesday, January 3 that his condition was terminal.

Warm tributes have now been paid to Rikki, who had four children with wife Michelle - Molly, 17, Miley 13, Elise, eight, and six-year-old Ernie.

Gazette Series: Rikki with his four children plus wife MichelleMichelle said: "He will always be our superhero.

"Rikki was the kindest, generous and most thoughtful guy, who always put everyone before himself.

"He has left a massive hole in everyone's lives but his love lives on in my children.

"Rikki was a team player and with security manager Michael Lowrey by his side he never would have loved the job as much as he did.

"Work was his main hobby and even when not at work he was on call and he enjoyed talking to everyone in the shops and the centre.

"He helped people when needed and performed CPR on those in need in the centre numerous times.

"He also enjoyed drinking in his local, the George Hotel, and playing on the PlayStation with his youngest son Ernie.

"I am extremely grateful for the love and support given to me by everyone over the hardest seven weeks of my life."

Members of the Yate community have also been paying their emotional tributes.

Tina Miles said: "Yate has lost a true gentleman.

"Ricky was loved by everyone and always had time to stop and chat to everyone in Yate, we are all going to miss him."

Louise Murray, assistant manager at #Coffee1 at the centre, said: "He was a valued member of the Yate security team who will be missed by many people who worked in the centre and by members of the public.

"We all love you Rikki, fly high buddy."

A shopping centre spokesperson said: "We are very sad to announce that Rikki, our deputy security manager passed away on Saturday after his courageous fight against cancer.

"Rikki has been a valued colleague and friend of ours for over 12 years and will be massively missed.

"We send all our love and best wishes to his family."

Following his death, friend Sophie Bell set up a GoFundMe page to help the family give Rikki the 'best send-off' - over £1,000 has already been donated.

She said: "Rikki was a very much-loved husband, father, friend and friendly face of Yate Shopping Centre.

"As you can imagine this is devastating for his close family and unfortunately Rikki had no life insurance or time to put any plans in place.

"So we are asking for help towards costly funeral arrangements if you can to give Rikki the best goodbye he so greatly deserves."

Donate at - tinyurl.com/2p9mmsna