THE family of a dad who died after attending a car event say they have been left ‘devastated’.

Father-of-one Dave Freeman, 55, from Shawforth, had been enjoying the final day of the Eastnor Land Rover Show at Eastnor Castle, in Herefordshire, when he suffered a heart attack.

He was given cardiac pulmonary resuscitation by a team of first aiders and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but died on Wednesday.

His family paid tribute to a man they described as ‘salt of the earth’ and who lived for Land Rovers.

“Dave was a kind hearted, generous and lovely person, salt of the earth,” said his family in a statement.

“He lived, ate and breathed Land Rovers and attended most of the shows throughout the year with our extended family and friends.”

Mr Freeman was a regular visitor to the Eastnor Castle show for many years and regularly helped out at sidecar racing events.

“Some people may not always know him by name but many will recognise him,” the family added.

“Dave was well-known and respected by everyone he met.

“He loved the fun and camaraderie the shows always provide.

“At shows Dave enjoyed sharing stories and expertise, especially talking to others in the world of Land Rovers.

“We as a family are devastated. Dave was a huge part of all our lives. He will be very sadly missed and the shows will never be the same.”

The family said they would like to thank those who offered their help and support on Monday, the paramedics who attended the scene, the air ambulance team and staff at the hospital.

Show organiser Mark Woodward said the news was ‘so sad’, adding that if there was any consolation it was the fact that Mr Freeman died doing something he enjoyed.

“The medical teams did really well as it was quite a difficult situation,” he said.

“They were there straight away and the air ambulance turned up very quickly, too.”