TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-two and award-winning baker, who died suddenly this week.

Ryan Cordey, from Waterfoot, collapsed at his home in Wolfenden Green on Sunday.

His grieving relatives have now paid tribute to a ‘devoted family man who gave the best to his wife and children.’

Ryan’s brother, Anthony Cordey, said: “Ryan was well liked and would always lend his time to anyone who needed it.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the kind words, gestures and tributes made in the memory of Ryan that have simply reaffirmed to us what we already knew, that he was loved and cherished by all who knew him.”

Working all his life in the food industry, Ryan will be fondly remembered by his local community in and around Rossendale for being one of the friendly faces at family-run bakery, Cordey’s.

The 44-year-old trained as a chef at Accrington and Rossendale College in the 90s and in 1992 made an impact at Cordey’s, using his natural flair, innovation and passion for baking.

While working within the bakery department at Blackburn College, he won several National Baking Industry awards at venues across the UK, and in 1994 became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious British Baker Shield.

Mr Cordey said: “Ryan was a devoted family man ensuring that he could give the best for his wife and children.”

A season ticket holder at Burnley with his son Joe, Ryan also fully encouraged his daughter, Hannah, in her athletics and educational pursuits.

The former All Saints RC High School , Rawtenstall, pupil was also a keen golfer and cyclist.

Recently he had developed his own take on breads and health foods, resulting in nationwide contracts and what was to be an exciting new project with Kettlebell Kitchens in Salford

Mr Cordey added: “We want to thank the close friends and family who have been towers of strength during this difficult time.

“We would particularly like to thank the first responders, paramedics, and neighbours who attended to Ryan on Sunday evening.

"Words cannot simply justify the effort they put in.”

Ryan, who was the son of Tony and Josie, leaves behind wife Kath, children Hannah, 17, and Joe, 13, and brothers Anthony, Brendan, Francis and Patrick.

His funeral will take place at 1pm on Thursday, November 15, at St Joseph and St Peter’s Church, Newchurch, Rossendale.

His relatives have asked for family flowers only, and any donations should be made to Rossendale Community First Responders.