TRIBUTES have poured in for a 'kind' and 'compassionate' community worker who helped champion dozens of causes.

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for community champion Dave Wood who was the driving force behind Furness Refugee Support Group.

Mr Wood, who lived in Ulverston, helped a number of refugees who had fled war-torn countries and resettled in the area.

He was also at the heart of dozens of events in Ulverston and raised thousands for local food banks and charities.

Mr Wood sadly died after his long-term battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his loving wife Linda and family.

Yvonne Patterson, who owns Shine Theatre Company in Barrow, worked with Mr Wood on her production about a group of Syrian refugees who overcome multiple culture barriers to integrate with the community.

She described him as an 'amazing human being' who radiated 'kindness and compassion'.

She said: "He was always so lovely and grateful we were doing a play which highlighted the plight of refugees.

"He was instrumental in helping refugees resettle in the town and helped them with every step of the way.

"Instead of talking about doing things, he did them.

"He was a really good, decent human being and I wish there was more people like him."

Mark Wilson, Ulverston Town Councillor, said: "He was a strong community figure who was very strong-minded and always looked outwards.

"He always strived to find ways of how to do things better."

A statement issued online from a family friend said: "Those of us lucky enough to count Dave as a good friend (and there are many, many of us ) will, I know, miss him terribly, but will remember him with love and great memories of our times together.

"Dave was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother to the Wood families, and I know I speak for all of us in extending our deepest sympathies to them at this awful time."