Tributes have been paid to a well-known West Cumbrian photographer who has died suddenly.

Brian Sherwen, 69, died on Sunday night after a short illness.

His work, including best-selling Whitehaven calendars, took him across the county covering tourism, travel, business, news and fashion. He also worked for the national press.

Brian took up photography after retiring from Sellafield in 1999, taking pictures for Copeland Council and working with Gerard Richardson, the Whitehaven Festival Company chief.

Gerard said: "Brian was a laugh and I think that's the best personal tribute anyone can say to a person of his character.

"He came with chef Jean Christophe Novelli and myself for our two-day trip up the coast when we were writing the seafood recipe book and it was great fun.

"He was also very generous with his work and was always on hand to help with photographs. A lovely man taken too soon.''

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said:” I am really saddened to hear of the passing of Brian.

"He was an excellent photographer and a genuinely good man who was full of life and passionate about the area in which he lived.

"It has been a real pleasure working with him and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. My condolences to all his family.”

Rob Romano, his brother-in-law, said: "Brian produced a Whitehaven calendar for a number of years that was very popular and much in demand, with it being sent around the world to ex-pats.

"He made many friends throughout Cumbria and around the world on his travels. He will be sadly missed by all.''

When not out and about with his camera, Brian enjoyed family life and relaxing with a good read.

He leaves a wife Elaine, daughters Joanna and Rachael, and grand-daughter, Lauren.

His funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 2 at noon at Distington Crematorium.