A second NHS frontline worker in north Cumbria has died after contracting coronavirus.

Tributes have been paid to Chris Buckingham, a nurse in the Continuing Health Care Team, who has been described by his peers as a "cheerful, hard-working and kind man".

He had joined North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group in March last year and was well-known in the health and social care community.

The news of his death comes only a day after it was announced that Linda Parkinson, a health care assistant at the Cumberland Infirmary, had also passed away with Covid-19.

A nursing leader has spoken of his "incredible sadness" at losing two members of the profession.

Glenn Turp, regional director for the Royal College of Nursing in the Northern region said: “I’m incredibly sad to learn of the death of Chris Buckingham and Linda Parkinson. To lose anyone to this terrible virus is a tragedy and the loss of dedicated members of our nursing community is very keenly felt. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to their family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Mr Buckingham had previously worked at the Cumberland Infirmary's A+E department, Keswick Community Hospital and Scarborough Hospitals, after a nursing career that started in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

His family said: “It is sad that Chris contracted covid, but so typical that he did so doing his duty and giving his time and effort to others as he did through his nursing, Royal Army Medical Corps, and previously with Swaledale Mountain Rescue.”

A statement released by NHS North Cumbria CCG said: "It is with great sadness we pay tribute to our friend and colleague Chris Buckingham who has passed away with covid. Our thoughts are with his partner Louise, and his two brothers Duncan and Craig."

Louise Mason-Lodge, director of nursing and quality for NHS North Cumbria CCG, said: “Chris was very highly regarded by his team and by those that came into contact with him. He was a cheerful, hard-working and kind man who was supportive to his colleagues and cared about the individuals he worked with.

“He was always first to volunteer to support his colleagues when needed. Chris truly reflected the core values of nursing and I was proud to have known him.

“There are no words sufficient to describe our loss. Our Nursing and Quality team and the NECS CHC team are devastated by the news, and our wider CCG will feel his loss deeply.”

Across the UK, at least 235 frontline health and care workers have died with Covid-19, according to the PA news agency. The figure is likely to be lower than the true number of workers who have died, as the names of some victims will not yet be in the public domain.

Mr Buckingham's family have asked for donations in his memory to be made to the Nenthead Mining Conservation Society which can be done by clicking the donate button on their website at www.nentheadmines.com

His NHS family will be holding a minute’s silence to honour his memory.