TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-two from Tywyn who died last night after collapsing on a treadmill.

Gareth Parry, a deputy headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, was rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd at around 8.30pm after he had become unresponsive whilst at the Arfon tennis centre in Caernarfon.

Gwynedd Council officials have confirmed that staff at the centre administered CPR to try and revive Mr Parry, who later passed away at the hospital.

The 40-year-old from Llanrug had been deputy head teacher of Friars school since 2007.

Originally from Tywyn near Machynlleth, Mr Parry leaves behind a wife and two young children, one aged five and the other just 20 months old.

He was said to be an enthusiastic sportsman and was also a former junior international weightlifter.

Ysgol Friars headteacher, Neil Foden, paid tribute to Mr Parry, hailing him as one of the "kindest men he had ever met."

"Gareth was a brilliant deputy headteacher who made a huge contribution to the successful school which Friars is today," Mr Foden said.

“He was one of the kindest men I have ever met and one of the best friends I have ever had. His passing will leave a huge hole in so many people’s, lives inside and outside of school.

"Many pupils will remember the support, advice, time and kindness he showed them when they needed it most and his colleagues will also remember his kindness, along with his boundless enthusiasm, humour and patience.

“People often say no one is indispensable but he is the closest to irreplaceable, as both a friend and a colleague, that I could ever think of and our lives, personally and professionally, will be diminished by his passing.”

A spokesperson for Gwynedd Council added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this very sad time."