Tributes to popular wedding photographer David Cooper

A popular wedding photographer who captured the big day for scores of couples across the Midlands died after collapsing at a ceremony.

David Cooper collapsed at St Luke's Church in Cannock doing the job he loved. He had been due to take pictures of the marriage of Ian Evans and Nikola Croxton, on October 2.

Paramedics tried to save the 67-year-old but he died later at Staffordshire General Hospital.

Mr Cooper, a former power boat champion and mechanic, was a "wonderful father and grandfather", his family said.

He had many passions including sailing and building model steam trains. He took up photography and set up the Becksbridge Studio in Brownhills after 30 years as a mechanic in Lichfield Road, Rushall.

Mr Cooper and his friend Vernon Collis held the hydroplane world record from 1970 to 1973. As a child he appeared on the BBC show All Our Days in 1958 to talk about his hobby of bee-keeping.

His daughter Dr Jane Jansen-Bowen, 47, now based in Wales, said: "Dad did nothing by halves. Photography had always been a hobby for him. But he converted the garage into a studio and did portraits, weddings and commercial work."

Mr Cooper, who grew up in Broad Lane, Essington, set up a model train enterprise, Sabresteam, with his son Robert, 37, earlier this year.

Robert, of Meadow Close, Shelfield, said: "He excelled at whatever he did. In May this year he started to make model steam trains which run on coal. We export all over the world.

"He very soon became a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. He was a wonderful father and grandfather who we will miss terribly."

Mr Cooper is also survived by five grandchildren and other relatives. His funeral was being held at St James' Church, Church Road, Brownhills, this afternoon, followed by burial at Barnetts Lane Cemetery.

Ian and Nikola Evans married two hours after Mr Cooper collapsed and pictures were taken by friends.