Tributes have been paid to a popular Carlisle man who has died suddenly.

Dean Ross, 38, died at the city's Cumberland Infirmary after suffering a cardiac arrest while with friends.

His parents Harry and Pat Ross, of Wetheral, say Dean was "loving" and will be remembered for his humour and wit as well as his charm and sensitivity.

Dean moved to Carlisle in 1984 with his parents when they took over the Howard Arms pub in Lowther Street.

Then aged six, Dean was a pupil at the city's Brook Street Primary School before moving up to join Trinity School, in Strand Road.

He was 12 when the Ross family, including his younger brother Craig, moved from the city centre pub to a new home in Wetheral, where they have lived ever since.

Dean's mother Pat said: "People have said how kind, caring and family-orientated he was.

"A tribute that has come from one of his friends talked about how loving, sensitive, humorous and witty he was and just how much Dean would go out of his way to help anyone.

"He always put his family first and he adored animals including our family dog Fergus."

After leaving school Dean trained as an electrician, a role which allowed him to indulge in his passion for travelling.

He served an apprenticeship locally with Taylor Electrics and worked for several companies including PK Electrical.

Dean moved to London at the age of 19 and worked as an electrician at major landmarks including Canary Wharf and the Ritz hotel.

He also spent more than a year living and working in Belgium during his 10-year stint away from Cumbria.

Mrs Ross, 57, said: "He lived in the east end of London, Stepney and Bethnal Green, those areas.

"He worked all over when he was there, he did the Apple store, the first one in London.

"Within a year of moving to London he was working in Belgium, where he was for a year or more."

Working in the capital and on the continent helped Dean save the funds he needed to see the world.

"He loved travelling and learning about different cultures," his father Harry said.

Dean had toured south east Asia including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Burma.

His brother Craig described Dean as "adventurous" and said he loved the outdoors. Dean had recently enjoyed a camping trip in the Lakes.

Craig, 36, added: "He was very adventurous and always wanted to try new things. He loved music too."

Dean was also an "avid reader", a fan of autobiographies, his mother added.

The Ross family have been touched by the messages of support and condolences they have received since Dean's sudden death on October 8.

His father Harry, 64, said: "It is times like this that you realise how much people actually feel for you.

"It is wonderful to think people feel like that and we know it is genuine.

"People have taken the time to write tributes and messages expressing their feelings. We know it is hurting a lot of people, including us."

Mr and Mrs Ross are now retired.

Relatives and friends will gather at Carlisle Crematorium tomorrow for a celebration of Dean's life.

There will be family flowers only with collection in aid of The Animal's Refuge at the service.

The service starts at 3.40pm and everyone is welcome to a gathering afterwards at Fantails, in Wetheral.

George Hudson and Sons Funeral Directors, of Wigton Road, Carlisle, are managing the arrangements.