TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘passionate’ charity boss who has died aged 52.

Dad-of-three Chris May, chief executive of Burnley-based Curious Minds, which helped young people, has died of a heart attack.

His death comes just weeks after the group was awarded a three-year £4.2million contract from the Arts Council to help young people get into the arts.

The deal secured the future of the charity at a time of uncertainty for many in the sector.

A Facebook group has been set up in memory of Mr May and has more than 250 members.

On the site, his brother Andy said: “It is so very touching to read the comm-ents people have left about my eldest brother Chris.

“His death is truly shock-ing but there is some comfort in reading what others thought of him. He will be deeply missed.”

Mr May, who lived in Hebden Bridge, studied drama at Bristol University before working as an artist, teacher and a youth worker.

During that time, he worked with disadvantaged young people, including at the Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships East Lancashire.

He took up the role as boss of Curious Minds in January 2009, leading the application process for Arts Council funding.

Colleague Glen Meskell said: “Chris was an exuberant figure, full of life and passionate about his work.”

His funeral will take place at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Church Street, Hebden Bridge, on Thursday.