A man collapsed and died of a heart attack during a charity bike ride for the British Heart Foundation.

An air ambulance was scrambled to Reculver Towers at 1pm on Sunday after Michael Ewer lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

The 69-year-old had been taking part in the Viking Bike Ride when he collapsed near the path to the towers.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate him for 40 minutes but he died en-route to the QEQM Hospital in Margate.

His devastated daughter Elizabeth Behan said: "He loved anything on two wheels and although he would have preferred to have gone out at high speed on one of his four motorbikes, it's fitting that he passed away doing something he loved, living life to the full and doing something for a good cause.

"He was a wonderful man – so often said but in this case completely true.

"Those who knew him thought him a kind, loving and genuine man with a youthful outlook on life. His family meant everything to him.

"If you knew him you can count yourself as one of the lucky people who got to live in a world that dad lived in.

"He had taken part in this ride before and was sad that he didn't manage to raise much money, as he was collecting and trying to get sponsorship in person – so much harder than online."

Michael's death cast a tragic shadow over a successful sixth year for the event, which saw 800 riders braving the rain to do their bit for charity.

Nancy Prior, head of events at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We're deeply saddened that a gentleman has died following the ride and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

A Just Giving page has been set up in Michael's memory.