Emotional tributes have been paid to Caister tourism stalwart Don Peers who died after he became trapped under heavy lifting equipment at a caravan park he owned.

Mr Peers died on Monday in hospital following an incident involving a telescopic handler at Grasmere Caravan Park at Bultitudes Loke.

He was an original member of the Great Yarmouth tourism authority and was also a Methodist lay preacher for 40 years.

Steve Cullis, superintendent minster for the Norfolk Broads Circuit, said: 'Don Peers was much loved in the community and church.

'He was a life long resident of Caister and a Methodist member since his youth.

'He recently celebrated 40 years as Methodist (lay) preacher. There are many people, like me, who are blessed to have known him.

'His loss is felt keenly and our heartfelt love and prayers are with his family.'

In 2016 Mr Peers, then 67, was given a lifetime achievement award by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area organisation.

He had a half century of experience at the family-run tourer and static Grasmere site at Caister, started by his great great grandfather in 1850 and he also ran Wentworth Holiday Chalets in Bultitudes Loke and the neighbouring Peers Holiday Apartments.

Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area project manager Karen Youngs said: 'We are heartbroken. Don was such a lovely man.

'He was a stalwart in the local tourism promotion industry for more than 30 years.

'Don was a member of the original Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority when it started in 1994, and was honoured with a GYTABIA lifetime achievement award in 2016.

'He recognised the value of the work we are doing, was also chairman of the new GYTABIA Caister group, and supported everything we did.'

Mr Peers' Premier Apartments holiday accommodation at Caister was his pride and joy which he put his heart and soul into, she added.

GYTABIA chairman Gareth Brown, who is also general manager of the Haven Holiday Park in Caister, added: 'It's such an awful shock and all of our thoughts are with Donny's family and friends at this very sad time'

Tony Baker, chairman of Caister Parish Council, said: 'Don was a pillar of the community in Caister in the best possible way.

'He was a strong supporter of the parish and worked very hard to support the parish council and he will be sorely missed by everybody here.'