The family of a dad-of-five who died while digging for fishing bait yesterday say he had a “heart of gold”.

Michael Marshall, 54, collapsed at Beresford Gap in Birchington at about 5.20pm, sparking a large-scale emergency response.

But medics were unable to save the keen angler, who lived in Ramsgate and leaves behind five children aged between 17 and 28.

He is understood to have suffered a heart attack.

His family say he was a much-loved father and grandfather who will be “deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him”.

His daughter-in-law, Chelsea Smith, told Kent Online: “He was an avid fisherman and could often be found in Ramsgate Harbour fishing with his friends, sharing old stories.

“He was an old-fashioned man with a heart of gold.

“His whole family have said he went exactly how he would have wanted to.”

The emergency response to Mr Marshall’s collapse involved police officers, paramedics and fire crews.

The Coastguard and an air ambulance helicopter also landed at the scene in the promenade area of the village.

Kent Police confirmed officers were called to a report of a medical incident.

A spokesperson said: “Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and a man in his 50s was pronounced deceased. The man’s next of kin has been informed.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

Mr Marshall’s family left floral tributes in memory of him at Ramsgate harbour on Saturday afternoon.