THE father of North-East actress Denise Welch has died.

Vin Welch lived in Ebchester and was a long-serving member at Stocksfield Golf Club where he hit his first hole in one, aged 80, on the 18th at the course after 65 years of trying.

He died on Tuesday night surrounded by family, with Denise penning an emotional tribute to her dad on Instagram on Wednesday morning.

She said: "The words I’ve dreaded saying all of my life.

"Last night at 11pm, we lost our dad, the life force that was Vin Welch. After making a miraculous recovery recently from major surgeries, pneumonia plus his existing pulmonary fibrosis was more than even he could take.

"He left us surrounded by his family who could not have loved anyone more.

"I can’t quite function as I’m so grief stricken, but I know he meant so much to so many people, even those who’d never met him.

"I’ve never seen anyone fight to stay longer at a party than dad and last night was no different.

"He loved life and lived it to the full like no other.

"The nurses in Ward 6 at Durham University Hospital will forever be in our hearts as they gave dad the most peaceful passing anyone could wish for. They adored him and he them. Heather, Helen, Lauren, Naz, Chloe, Graham, Debs to name but a few. We will NEVER forget you.

"Love you dad. Heartbroken."

Denise was formerly married to Tim Healy; they have two children together Matty, who is a member of the The 1975, and Louis.