A Preston property tycoon has died after falling from scaffolding while renovating one of his houses.

John Strettle, 66, of Latham Street, Preston, known to his friends as Barry, was also a judo expert, and taught youngsters martial arts at the Fylde Road Martial Arts Centre, which he owned.

Lancashire Ambulance were called to a house in Latham Street, Avenham, at about 3.30pm, on Tuesday, following reports that Mr Strettle had fallen 20ft.

He suffered severe head injuries and died later.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and it appeared he had simply fallen. The coroner has been informed.

Nick Tuley, martial arts co-ordinator at the Fylde Road centre said: "It is a devastating blow, it's such a shock because he was so fit. He did 1,000 sit ups and press ups a week, so considering his age he was extremely fit."

"He didn't run this place for the money, he ran it at cost, and did it because he loved it," added Mr Tuley.

He said that Mr Strettle was a black belt and had coached judo at a national level.

It had been his dream to make the Fylde Road club into a judo centre of excellence, he added.

"He was very well respected man in business and in the martial arts world," said Mr Tuley.

Mr Strettle had a portfolio of properties across the city, and also owned a number of pubs.

The Famous Lounge, Fylde Road, is on the same site as the martial arts centre.

Landlord David Worrall, who rented the pub from Mr Strettle, said: "I didn't know him that well, but he was always down here doing martial arts and trying to get people involved.

"People have been in the pub today saying that they can't believe it because he was just so fit."