TRIBUTES have been paid to a Dines Green man who tragically died after collapsing on a Worcester golf course.

Steve Matthews, 56, a member of Worcester Golf and Country Club, was out on a round at the Bransford Road course when he collapsed suddenly at around 1.35pm on Thursday.

Five other players on the course at the time rushed over and tried to save Mr Matthews, before eight paramedics arrived and worked on him for over an hour. He later died after being rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Matthew's friend, who was on the course at the time and did not wish to be named, said his wife and daughter were devastated at his death.

He said: "I was in a group behind Steve. He just collapsed when we got to the 11th hole.

"The ambulance crew tried to keep him alive - it was a shock.

"I usually played with him every Thursday, he was such a lovely man."

An official spokesman for the club told the Worcester News said: "He knew a lot of people here and often went on tours with groups of friends.

"He also had a lot of achievements on the course, as a player.

"He was here for 19 years so he was very well known, and was a very popular person. It's a very sad loss."

Lisa Medhurst, a West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic, wrote on Facebook: "Rest in Peace Steve.

"We did our best, so sorry it wasn't enough."

Mr Matthews was a talented golfer who played of a nine handicap, and featured regularly in the Worcester News for his golfing talents, most noticeably when he won the club's Dick Cup and also the Hallmark Trophy.

Another friend of Mr Matthews, who worked as a postman, paid tribute, saying: "I'm really gutted what a top bloke. Thinking of his family at this very sad time."

Posting on the Worcester News' Facebook page Chris Wilde said: "Such a sad day yesterday.

"Will miss Steve - a top top bloke always smiling, laughing and joking. Had a lot of time for him."

Keith Morris commented: "Unbelievable. Nicest man you could hope to meet. RIP."

Nicola Gandy added: "RIP, Postie Steve."