The family of Ben Dickinson, a "Falmouth man born and bred" who died last week after suffering a heart attack at the age of just 42, have been overwhelmed by the messages of condolence and support they have received.

Ben was well known across the town and county, after attending Beacon Infants and Junior Schools and Falmouth School, and through his job as a highways and environment manager for Cormac which saw him work with councils and communities.

He married Paula, director and co-owner of estate agents Lewis, Haughton Wills, in 2013 and was step-dad to her children, Tom and Nicky. Ben also leaves his parents, Chris and Caroline, who live in Penryn; his brother, Len, and his wife, Donna, and their children, Finley, eight, and Sophie, nine.

A statement given to the Packet by Ben's family said: "Ben was a wonderful husband, son, step-father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to so many people. He had a unique ability and presence to light up a room with his smile, good nature and radiant personality. He was a very proud Cornishman, who loved the county and his beloved Falmouth.

"A measure of a man is through his friends, which Ben had countless. He drew people in with his infectious personality and humour. He was such a special person, and we are truly heartbroken. A light in our lives that will never be replaced. Ben will live on in all of our hearts."

His brother, Len, said the heart attack had come "out of the blue" and his family have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages they have received from his friends in Falmouth and others he had met while at Staffordshire University and on holiday.

He added: "He was the most selfless person. He was always putting other people first and never thought about himself. He always wanted to make other people happy."

A spokesman for Cormac said: "Ben was a truly lovely man. He was a loyal, valued and skilled member of the Cormac highways team, whose commitment to his work was effortlessly matched with a renowned sense of humour and a way of dealing with people that made him everyone’s favourite ‘go to guy.’

"He always gave everything, no matter what he was doing or who for. When he wasn’t working hard for others, he was working hard to expand his knowledge and skills. He was known throughout his patch as someone who would always go the extra mile to get things done, and we have received many letters and emails from elected members, town and parish councils and members of the public expressing their shock and sadness, but equally paying tribute, which shows what a genuinely loved person he was.

"While all of us will miss Ben dreadfully, both from a personal and professional perspective, we are extremely proud to have known him. We also realise that Cormac’s loss pales into insignificance to that of his family. Our thoughts and condolences are with them through this very difficult time."

Paula's colleague, Sofie Lang, director of lettings and property management, said on Facebook: "The Lewis Haughton Wills teams' hearts are completely and utterly broken, we have lost one of our own and an amazing and kind man. We send all of our love to all of the family and friends."

It is not yet known when Ben's funeral service will be held, but it is likely to take place at Penmount Crematorium and the family are hoping to follow it with a celebration of Ben's life at Falmouth Town Football Club.