Tributes have been paid to the late Lord Bath of Longleat, who has died in the main Bath hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

Famous names went onto social media to send kind messages about the well-loved eccentric aristocrat.

But he, and the safari park, which is just six mile from Frome, were also loved by many local families.

Pictured here: Ella Fox and her mum, Elizabeth Barnes, who live in Portishead who met Lord Bath around 11 years ago at a special VIP meeting.

Elizabeth said that the family: " We have always loved visiting Longleat. He did seem a really lovely man and we met his dog, Boudicca. He signed a copy of the children's story book that he's in for my daughter which she still has.

The Safari Park announced the death of Lord Bath on their news pages.

Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath, was the owner of the safari park and died at the Royal United Hospital in Bath on April 4, after being admitted on March 28.

A statement released read: "It is with the deepest sadness we have to announce Lord Bath has died at the age of 87.

"The family would like to express their greatest appreciation for the dedicated team of nurses, doctors and other staff who cared so professionally and compassionately for Alexander in these extremely difficult times for everyone."

"They would politely request a period of privacy to deal with their loss."

The safari park itself has been closed to visitors since March 27 because of the coronavirus pandemic. but yesterday ( April 4) had offered up a new virtual tour of the park.