Tributes have been paid to a senior member of staff at an NHS trust who has died after contracting coronavirus.

Barry England passed away on April 16, four days after being admitted to hospital, where he tested positive for Covid-19.

Mr England had worked for East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) for 33 years, working his way up to the role of leading operations manager in Hemel Hempstead.

In a statement issued on Friday, the trust offered "sincere condolences" to Mr England's family, friends, and colleagues.

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A statement issued on behalf of Mr England's family said that their "hearts are broken" at this sudden loss, and that Mr England was "extremely proud" to have worked for the ambulance service for over 33 years.

A EEAST spokesperson said: "The family would like to thank all NHS staff who cared for Barry in hospital, and for the support being received from his former colleagues."

And some of his former colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to a "well respected man" and "great mentor".

Gary Sanderson, who also works for EEAST, wrote on Twitter: "Tragic news hearing the passing of paramedic Barry England.

"A well respected man and a great mentor to new staff. Had the pleasure of working alongside him during my career. RIP Bazza."

Keith Harland, station commander at Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley fire stations, wrote: "All of us at Hemel Hempstead Fire Station are devastated.

"Our love and condolences go out to Barry's family and our EEAS colleagues."

And Karl Demian, CEO of The Ambulance Staff Charity, added: "It is with a heavy heart that my second tweet of the day mourns the loss of another member of our #ambulance community.

"Barry England, an operations manager @EastEnglandAmb, tested positive for #Covid19. Our thoughts are with Barry's loved ones and colleagues."