TRIBUTES have been paid to a Runcorn man who died after snorkelling at a popular family beach in Perth in Australia. 

Perth Now reported Derek Noon died despite a 'massive collective effort' on the beach as paramedics, lifesavers and bystanders battled for 30 minutes to save him.

A Justgiving page has raised more than £4,000 in 48 hours to fly family members out to Australia to support his wife Samantha and two children as news spread of his death online.

It is thought the 35-year-old man Secret Harbour man died after encountering trouble while snorkelling at Mettam’s Pool beach in Trigg at 10.30am on Saturday.

Perth Now reported the alarm was raised after he was dragged from the surf by two men believed to be his friends.

It is thought he had been caught in a riptide.

Known to his friends as Degsy, the Justgiving page adds the father-of-two moved to the country to start a new life a few years ago. 

Many of the tributes posted described him and as his wife as 'soulmates'. 

Paul Browne added: "He was a great bloke and I will always remember our childhood messing around."

Stacey Moore said: "What a tragedy - such a beautiful couple parted so young. 

"I am so glad for you Sam you had the fortune of many happy years together.

"And two beautiful children to keep alive Degsy's beautiful memory. X"

Click here to donate to the Justgiving page.