Tributes have been paid to a Walthamstow architect who drowned while swimming off the coast of Trinidad.

Paul Shekleton, 71, died on Sunday (September 25) in the resort of Mayaro, where he was on holiday with his wife.

Mr Shekleton had gone for a swim in the sea at around 9am, but got into difficulty in rough waters.

He was found by rescuers around 15 minutes later, but attempts to revive him proved unsuccessful. An autopsy carried out on Monday confirmed he had drowned.

Trinidad and Tobago Police did not confirm whether lifeguards were present at the beach at the time of Mr Sheklton’s death.

Mr Shekleton founded his own architectural firm in 1976 and worked from an office in Orford Road, designing schemes across London and the Home Counties.

Some of his work can be seen in Church Avenue in Chingford, Lorne Road, Walthamstow and Chelsea Mews, in Wanstead.

He also co-founded the campaign group E17 Streets 4 All, which has demonstrated against the construction of the Mini Holland cycle scheme in Walthamstow.

In a statement, the group said: “Paul touched the lives of many people in Waltham Forest. His architectural designs will live on for many years across the borough and beyond.

“We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

“We are all in shock at this tragic news, his passing is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but also our campaign.

“He has worked tirelessly for this community and words cannot describe our shock and sadness.”