Tributes have been paid to John Hays, the founder of Hays Travel, who collapsed and died at his office.

He was 71.

In a  statement issued on November 13, the company, which acquired Dorset-based Bath Travel seven years ago, said: “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays, the founder and managing director of Hays Travel, died today, while doing the job he loved.

“John, who with his wife and co-owner Irene Hays bought the Thomas Cook retail estate a year ago, was at work in the company’s Sunderland head office when he collapsed.

“John built Hays Travel into the UK’s largest independent travel agent providing jobs and careers for thousands of young people over 40 years.

“Throughout this past difficult year he did everything in his power to save jobs and protect the travel industry.

“He was held in immense respect by his staff, colleagues, family and friends and was recognised throughout his life for his many achievements.

“He was equally proud of his loyal staff who, under the direction of the board and senior management team, will ensure that the business continues to serve the customers of the UK’s largest independent travel agent as he would have wanted.”

Hays Travel’s Broadstone retail branch.

ABTA stated: “We were shocked and saddened to hear John Hays has passed away. John was a major figure in the industry and created one of the industry’s most successful companies.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Irene and his family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time.”

Mr Hays was on the advisory board of Dorset-based Not Just Travel and a mentor to its co-founders, Steve Witt and Paul Harrison.

In a statement they said: “We are truly shocked and saddened to hear of the sad news about John today.

“John was on our advisory board and great friend to us all – we will miss him hugely.

“We would like to pass on our sympathies and our thoughts go out to Irene and the family and the Hays team in Sunderland, who are one big family.”

Hays was founded in Seaham, County Durham, 41 years ago and reached £1 billion in sales in 2018.

It has 20 retail branches in Dorset.