A man who was found dead in Whitley Bay on Boxing Day has been named as Deano Brown.
The 43-year-old, also known as Ian Brown, was found outside an address on North Parade in the early hours on December 26.
Police say his death is not thought to be suspicious however an investigation is taking place to establish what happened.
Touching tributes have now been paid to Deano, who is thought to have been homeless at the time of his death.
Rachel and Susan Universe, founders of Cloud 9, said Deano used to volunteer for them a year ago and helped out at their former wellbeing centre and coffee shop in Cullercoats. He would even look after their dog Hugo.
Susan said: "Deano was an amazing human. Everyone loved him so much, he was well known in Whitley Bay.
"He was a great lad, really intelligent, clever and charming, with a lovely heart.
"He would be sitting in the cafe and people would just warm to him. He was great with people.
"It was so sad to hear he had died. Everyone is in shock. He will be a miss to the community."
Others have also posted tributes on social media.
One woman wrote on Facebook: "He was a great guy with so many friends in Whitley Bay."
She added: "A clever, interesting, humble, loving man....a lover of Marmite and pork pies! I know lots of people who will share the sadness that he's gone."
One man said: "Great bloke, great personality."
And another message read: "Rip Deano, love you, will miss you very much."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 1am on December 26, police were informed by the ambulance service that a body had been found outside an address on North Parade, in Whitley Bay.
"Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old man was found deceased. His next of kin have been informed.
"At this early stage, officers do not believe the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are suspicious but an investigation is ongoing.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 76 261219 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
