TRIBUTES have been paid to a "hero" father-of-seven who died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Barmouth.

North Wales Police and the Coastguard were called to assist with the incident in north-west Wales just before 2pm yesterday (Sunday, August 2).

Jonathan Stevens, 36, from Telford, Shropshire, was recovered from the water and taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital by air ambulance but later died.

The plasterer was reportedly caught in a rip tide as he attempted to pull some of his children to safety.

The Leader:

A gofundme page has been set up to support the family of Jonathan Stevens, 36, from Telford

In a statement issued to website North Wales Live, his partner Laura Burford, 34, who was at home in Telford when the incident happened, said: "I am absolutely devastated to say that I have lost the complete love of my life.

"All seven of his beautiful kids have lost their dad. He died saving his kids' lives in the sea.

"There are no words to describe the pain. I will always be grateful to (him) for bringing our babies back.

"I love him, always have, and always will."

A fundraising page has been set up by family friend Mel Plowman at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-gift-for-the-children-from-their-hero