The family of a man who died at a Cornwall beach at the weekend have praised the emergency services who tried to save his life.

The family of the man they named as Keith Gater described him as an “unforgettable dad and gramps” following his death on Saturday at Praa Sands.

Emergency services were sent to the beach, between Helston and Penzance, at around 3pm on Saturday, with the air ambulance landing.

One of the sons of Mr Gater, aged 69, lately of Tregirls near the village of Altarnun, Bodmin, Cornwall, said the family was also grateful to the staff at the cafe, and passing members of the public for their kindness and the attempts they made to save his dad’s life.

The statement sent by his son The Rev'd Jamie Gater said: "As his sons, and on behalf of all the family, we want to express grateful and heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff and emergency services who worked extremely hard to save dad from what turned out to be a sudden and catastrophic medical event.

"We are also grateful to the staff at the cafe, and passing members of the public for their kindness and the attempts they made to save dad’s life.

"We are obviously shocked, but are taking comfort from one another, and remembering an amazing and unforgettable dad and gramps. We would also ask for privacy as we come to terms with all that has happened."

Emergency services responded following a 999 call for help, which came in just after 3pm.

The South Western Ambulance Service was sent initially, with ambulance staff subsequently requesting help from Devon and Cornwall Police to oversee the scene.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was also called.

Police officers cleared a space close to the beach to allow the air ambulance helicopter to land safely on a grassed area, cordoning off the section from members of the public.

Praa Sands, which is six miles from Helston and just over eight miles from Penzance, is popular with surfers and families for its wide expanse of sand and sea suitable for both swimming and water sports.