The Briton who died in a diving incident in Cirkewwa last week was a former fire-fighter in Malta on holiday, the Macclesfield Express reports.

Andrew Longden, 50, from Bollington, was on an expedition to the Mediterranean island when the incident occurred.

His body was taken back to the UK following the tragedy on Tuesday, May 8.

The retired firefighter was the ex-station Commander at Bollington and worked tirelessly with the Bollington and Macclesfield Community First Responders to see defibrillators installed throughout Bollington, the report says.

He was also presented with a Civic Award in 2016 for his services to the community by former Bollington Mayor, Councillor Allan Williams.

Bollington Town councillor Graham Hibbert said Mr Longden was known for caring deeply about those around him.

He told the Express: “He was a very caring person who thought a lot about the community, he was a really nice bloke.

“I am very shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and that we will no longer see him active around the village. He was a smashing person.”

 

Photo Macclesfield Express