TRIBUTES have been paid to a decorated North Yorkshire war hero who died of a suspected heart attack only days after celebrating his 34th birthday.

Nicholas Tolliss, born and raised in Kilburn near Thirsk, died suddenly while spending a week’s leave from the Army with fiancée Diane Findlay, 39.

They were due to marry next year.

His 14-year career with 25 Engineers RHQ at Waterbeach, in Cambridgeshire, saw him receive medals of service for his tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. He also served in Northern Ireland.

His brother, Jonathan, who lives in the Leeman Road area of York, said Nicholas, an avid York City fan, had a “heart of gold”.

He said: “Nicholas was a very generous and kind guy.

“He really believed in friends and family – they were everything to him.

“He could be irritating at times like any brother, but he had a very generous spirit and would never dream of holding a grudge against anyone.

“He had experienced a lot of struggles in his life but had overcome them. He just got on with things – that was the person he was.”

Jonathan said Nicholas had loved children and was very close to his fiancée’s 18-year-old son, Gordon.

“He really wanted children of his own, and it is one of my biggest regrets that I don’t have any children yet – he would have been a great uncle.”

He said Nicholas was passionate about football and had supported York City since he was a young boy. “Nicholas could bore anyone who would listen for hours about the team,” he said.

“When he was in Afghanistan I used to post The Press to him so he could keep up to date with how they were doing.”

Nicholas is survived by his mum, Jane and twin brothers Jonathan and Tom.

A memorial service will take place at Kilburn Parish Church on Wednesday, at 2pm.

Donations can be given in lieu to Help For Heroes.

Nicholas’ commanding officer, Captain Anna Hamilton, said: “He was very enthusiastic in his work every single day and always worked to the best of his ability.

“He was very popular among all his colleagues and he will be sorely missed.

“The thoughts of everyone at the regiments are with his family and fiancée at this very difficult time.”