A man who died after taking part in the Great North Swim has been named as Colin Pringle from Wallington.

The 52-year-old was airlifted to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle after becoming ill in the water.

Police said he suffered a ‘medical emergency’ before dying later in hospital.

He was taking part in a two mile swim across Lake Windermere in the Lake District on Friday, June 13.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokeswoman said: "At 4.40pm police at the event were alerted to a man who was taken by air ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary, as a result of a medical emergency.

"The man, aged 52, sadly died.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed."

The Great Swim is the UK’s biggest open water swimming series, with events taking place up and down the country.

A spokesman from event organiser Nova International said: "Colin was attended to immediately by accident and emergency medical staff and transferred by the Great North Air Ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary.

"Sadly despite the best efforts of the medical professionals he later died.

"Colin's family would like to express their gratitude to the medical teams who tried to save him and for the messages of goodwill and sympathy they have received.

"They have now asked to be allowed to come to terms with their loss in private."

More to follow.

Did you know Colin? Would you like to pay tribute? Contact the news desk on 0208 722 6358 or email tom.gillespie@london.newsquest.co.uk