A popular Irvine man loved by many has tragically passed away after catching coronavirus.

Andy Sinclair, who served as head chef in Freckleton's cafe in the Rivergate shopping centre for 27 years, died today aged 49 after catching COVID-19.

Tributes have been paid online by various friends since the tragic death of the much-loved Irvine resident and member of the Fit Ayrshire Dads group.

Freckleton's manager Alex Gourlay told the Times: "He had been up in Aberdeen for the past four weeks and sadly passed away this morning.

"He worked for us for near the last 30 years - we opened the cafe and he's been there from day one.

"We're absolutely devastated - we saw him and he was part of our life every day. He was a huge part of Freckleton's and everybody in the staff loved him. He was such a character he really was."

"Andy knew everyone and he had time for everyone. He loved everybody and he loved life. Once you met him you didn't forget him."