Kidderminster pensioner dies while swimming on Portuguese holiday

Leslie Thomas Gordon reportedly died after getting into difficulties at Praia de Mira beach, near Porto, on Monday morning.

The 66-year-old had been on holiday at the resort, and in a statement the Foreign & Commonwealth Office said: "We are providing support to the family following the death of a British national in Portugal on October 31."

The news of his sudden death has come as a shock to those who knew Mr Gordon, of Turton Street, Kidderminster.

His next door neighbours David and Stella Wase paid tribute

"He was a very nice person, very helpful, and would do anything for anybody," said Mr Wase.

"We were shocked when we heard the news. We were surprised because he is a good swimmer."

Mrs Wase said: "He had a big heart.

"Dave and I have been here for over 40 years and he and his wife have been here for around 30 years.

As neighbours we're all very close. While we don't bother each other in the day we're always there for one another.

"We're an extended family really."

She also highlighted that Mr Gordon was very much part of the Kidderminster community, getting involved in local events.

"He was a very active member of the Male Voice Choir. He was very social. They are Lancashire people, and I know they support Blackburn Rovers, and were always going up there to watch games. There's a group of us neighbours who are very close and we're just devastated.

She added: "They had gone away for a month. They're very outdoor people, very adventurous.

"They have had some fantastic holidays.

"His cycling is a big memory I have of him.

"He was always smiling. I've never seen him other than with a big grin."

A post mortem is expected to be held in Coimbra, Portugal.