Family and colleagues have paid tribute to a senior Princess Alexandra Hospital nurse who died of Covid-19.

Barclay Mason, 56, was a member of the emergency department team at Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT).

Originally from New Zealand, Mr Mason had been a senior charge nurse at the hospital for more than 20 years.

Trust chief executive Lance McCarthy said he would be remembered for "his commitment to patient care, his kindness and as a valued friend and colleague to many at the Princess Alexandra Hospital".

He added: “His loss will be felt by the many colleagues from across trust and the East of England ambulance service who worked with him.

“Barclay had been recently cared for by the trust team for Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with Barclay’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Mr Mason's family have also issued a statement.

They said: "The sadness we feel is more than words can express. The most amazing man in our life, father to our children, has died.

"He leaves behind committed colleagues and friends who are shocked but who continue to go to work every day with compassion and care for their patients, just as Barclay did.

“Colleagues and friends from the PAHT emergency department and East of England Ambulance Service will hold a special place in our hearts as they were Barclay’s UK family.

“Barclay was originally from New Zealand and we would like to share this Maori blessing,

Scattered by the wind

Cleansed by the rain

Uplifted by the sun

All doubts are

Lifted away

All restraints are cast off

Fly free, o spirit

Fly to the realms of the heavens

Uplifted by the sun

All doubts are

Lifted away

All restraints are cast off."