A Shropshire builder suffered a fall in his dream home as he was preparing for a new life with his wife in the Mediterranean.

Robert Holbrook, of Sundorne, Shrewsbury, was taken to hospital on the Greek island of Crete, but his life support machine was switched off after three days when doctors said they could not save him, friends revealed today.

The 56-year-old died on Wednesday.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Holbrook with friends describing him as “popular”, “brilliant” and extremely hard working. The self-employed builder ran his own business called Victoria Building Services.

He took the name from his former address in Victoria Street, Castlefields. He was building a retirement home in Crete for himself and his wife Shirley.

A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “He fell down some steps and they had to take him into hospital. He was in there for three days and I believe they had to switch the life support machine off. He was a very hard working man and a perfectionist.”

Mark Roberts, landlord of the Dog and Pheasant pub, said Mr Holbrook used to visit the pub regularly when he lived in the area. He said he and his customers had been “stunned” to hear of Mr Holbrook’s death.

He said he would be fondly remembered as a hard-working and strong-willed man who was often seen with his Jack Russell terrier named Pickles.

Mr Holbrook also demonstrated his bravery several years ago after diving into the River Severn to rescue one of his dogs.

Mr Roberts said: “He had moved to Sundorne Crescent but we still used to see him around. He was living the dream with his wife across in Crete. It is a tragic waste.

“We are absolutely stunned. I think Pickles the dog will be missing him too – he used to go everywhere with him, even to work.”

Steve Edbrooke, of North Street, said: “He did a lot of work on my parents’ house and he was an excellent, hard working man.”