TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known East Lancashire vet and experienced diver after he died after getting into difficulties in a lake.

Father-of-three Harry Michael Holroyd, known as Mike, was making a surface swim from the shore towards a marker buoy at Wastwater in the Lake District accompanied by his student, last Saturday afternoon.

The 69-year-old from Pleasington had not started any descent and it was his first dive of the day when he got into difficulties.

Mr Holroyd's family said they wish to extend their gratitude to the two divers who assisted emergency services in recovering him to the shore and all members of the emergency services who attended the scene.

A statement from the family said: "Mike will be sorely missed and his family has requested privacy at this very difficult time.

"First and foremost a family man, living near Pleasington, he had three children, David, Nick and Kate, with Sue, his wife for 31 years, and two grandchildren, Jack and Olivia.

"An avid cyclist and a gym fanatic, he maintained a high level of fitness.

"A natural and generous teacher who enthused at supporting the development of others, Mike was in training to be a first responder and defibrillator trainer in his local area as well as being a volunteer involved with the development of young people from different backgrounds through sailing."

Mr Holroyd was born at the family veterinary practice on Simmons Street in Blackburn, son of Harry and Phyllis and younger brother of Brian.

He was a fifth generation Holroyd vet and his career spanned 48 years, including the setting up of the Abbeydale practice on Preston New Road in 1987.

He was educated at Westholme School in Blackburn and Ashville in Harrogate and he later graduated with a Bachelor Hons degree in veterinary science at Liverpool University.

He took semi-retirement in 2010, but continued to carry out locum duties at vets4pets in Clitheroe.

Mr Holroyd took up diving after receiving a 'try dive' at Darwen Sub Aqua Club as a Christmas present in 1992.

He quickly developed a love of the sport, gradually introducing and training his family and travelling the world - trips including the Great Barrier Reef, Truk Lagoon and the Falklands Islands.

He completed thousands of dives over 25 years and progressed to First Class Diver and Advanced Instructor levels.

He was also and active member of Ribble Valley Sub Aqua Club.

After travelling to the Caribbean for a Tall Ships event, he also took up sailing and gained qualification to Coastal Skipper, regularly enjoying trips to the Greek Islands with friends.

In summer of 2016, he crossed the Atlantic between Antigua and Southampton.