TRIBUTES have been paid to a "wonderful" dance and fitness coach who died yesterday.

Richard Tittensor, who ran Clubbercise Brighton as well as his Fit With Rich classes, kept many people active during lockdown with his fun choreographed sessions and online fitness studio.

The personal trainer also taught Clubbercise – a rave-style fitness class to 90s classics, complete with glow sticks, face paint and neon lights - at Patcham High School and Portslade Village Centre.

A statement on the Clubbercise Brighton and FitwithRich Facebook page today said: "Our dearest, wonderful, shining Richard, our ‘Titty’, found peace in the early hours of yesterday morning, ending his painful battle with depression.

"His light shone so brightly and touched so many of us every day. His rainbows, sparkle dust and boundless love will be with us forever more.

"Our dearest dearest friend… You are so loved. Be at peace."

Tina Daniels, who attended Rich's Clubbercise dance classes in person and then virtually during lockdown, said he had helped so many people throughout the past year amid the pandemic, both mentally and physically.

She said: "Rich was such an upbeat and motivational person.

"He was always smiling, wearing bright colours and had such a cheeky sense of humour too.

"This is such shocking and devastating news."

Tributes and condolences flooded in to the Facebook page too, with several people describing Rich as "an inspiration" who brought happiness to many with his classes.

Lisa Knight wrote: "I am so shocked and feel so sad about this news.

"Rich was fabulous fun and so engaging. I moved and didn't get to go to his classes any longer but he has remained in my mind ever since."

Joanna Miller wrote: "Rich made everyone he met happy and more confident.

"How tragic that someone who seemed so happy must have been hiding such sadness. Rest in eternal peace Rich and I hope you're still dancing in the sky."

Clubbercise Brighton and FitwithRich said more information about plans to celebrate his life will be posted on their Facebook page over the coming weeks.

The statement added: "At this time we ask that his family are given the opportunity and space to grieve this terrible loss."