A running club has paid tribute to a popular member who died while scuba diving abroad.

Justine Barringer was on holiday in Gran Canaria on Saturday when it is thought she suffered a heart-related problem and could not be revived.

The 44-year-old was a member of Beginners2Runners (B2R) in Sittingbourne and regularly took part in events.

The group teaches people who have never run before to be able to do a 5k within 10 weeks and Justine was a team leader.

Steve Grantham, who set up B2R, said: “She was a full of life person who will be sorely missed by us all. She was well thought of and well respected – it’s a tragedy.

“She was wacky and a real character and everyone loved her for it.”

Justine, who was from Iwade, was a police officer and had been a member of the club for the past two years.

“She leaves a big hole, she was very selfless and supported other runners,” he added.

“She was wacky and a real character and everyone loved her for it" - Steve Grantham

“There’s a lot of people who said they owe it to her that they can run.”

As a mark of respect, B2R social media accounts posted a thin green line and invited people to leave tributes.

A blue line is posted when a police officer dies and the green version used the B2R colour.

Justine took part in a Friends of Iwade Church fundraising cycle ride in 2010.

She also ran a 10k two weeks ago at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children, based in Bobbing.

Her family are understood to still be in Gran Canaria.

The Foreign Office was approached for comment but had not responded by the time of going to press.