TRIBUTES have been paid to mechanic who died apparently trying to save his dog in a Cotswolds lake.

Cory Nicholson, 21, was described by his family as a “huge family man” who loved spending time with his relatives.

The grieving family of the Calne man told the BBC they were devastated and heartbroken.

Mr Nicholson, who was born in Swindon and grew up in Marlborough, was said to have enjoyed “big wide adventures of many sorts”.

He died at Cotswold Water Park last Tuesday.

According to reports, he had gone into the water at Lake 32 to look for his missing dog. Eyewitnesses described seeing two swimmers fruitlessly searching for Mr Nicholson.

His body was pulled from the lake by rescuers at around 8.50pm.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: “He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner and the man’s next of kin have been informed.”

A spokesman from the Cotswold Water Park Trust said: "The thoughts of everyone at the Cotswold Water Park Trust are with the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life at Keynes Country Park on Tuesday.

"Our thanks go to all the emergency services and site operators who worked tirelessly during the search."