Tributes have been paid to a “kind-hearted” family man following his death – and the community have been thanked for their support.

Phill Smith, who was born on Greenbank, Whitehaven, passed away at the weekend and hundreds of people took to social media to share memories of him.

The 29-year-old – known as ‘Silly Phill’ – has been described as a beloved son to Angela Shrubb and Stephen Phillip Hall, and fantastic sibling to his five brothers and sister who passed away.

Angela said: “He loved his brothers to bits and he loved his family.”

Phill met partner Rebecca Garner, 25, and moved to Cleator Moor.

The Country & Western fan had a strong relationship with Rebecca’s daughter.

Rebecca said: “He was kind-hearted, severely loving; he loved his family with all of his heart and he would do anything for anyone.”

A fundraising GoFundMe page has been set up by the community to help support them during a difficult time.

More than £200 was raised in one day to help the family to pay for the funeral.

Rebecca said: “It’s been amazing from every single person.

“I don’t even know how to express how grateful we are for everybody’s support.”

Phill attended Valley Primary School in Whitehaven before moving on to Whitehaven School through his teenage years.

He later went on to attend Rathbone, where he achieved qualifications in a number of trades such as painting and decorating and gardening.

The former Valley pupil was at his happiest when he was fishing, walking his dog Millie and spending time with his beloved nieces and nephews.

To donate to the funeral visit: https://gofund.me/7ba442b9.