The brother of a Darlington man who died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Portugal last week has been ‘overwhelmed’ by kind messages as a date for the funeral was set.

Paul ‘Ginge’ Calow, 41, who was born and brought up in Darlington, was last week named by his family as the British man who died after getting into difficulty off a Portuguese beach.

The incident happened on the Sao Pedro de Moel beach near the town of Nazare, north of Lisbon, Portugal, at about 3pm on Wednesday, October 4.

Read more: Darlington man dies after getting into difficulty in sea off Portuegese beach

His brother Dale paid tribute to his “best friend” in the Echo last week and said he has since been overwhelmed by messages of support from the UK, despite Paul moving to Spain 20 years ago.

The Northern Echo: Dale, left, has paid tribute to his brother Paul 'Ginge' Calow (right) who died in Portugese waters.Dale, left, has paid tribute to his brother Paul 'Ginge' Calow (right) who died in Portugese waters. (Image: FAMILY)

He said: “I’ve received hundreds and hundreds of messages and been so surprised by how well loved he still was in the UK.

“I’ve had lots of people in Darlington asking me to send them funeral details so they can book flights.

“The reaction has been overwhelming and I really really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

Paul, who ran a printing and signage business with Dale in Spain, will be buried in the coastal town of Moraira, about 40 minutes north of Benidorm, on Monday (October 16) at 4pm Spanish time, or 3pm UK time.

The Northern Echo: Dale and Paul Calow.Dale and Paul Calow. (Image: FAMILY)

The funeral will be available to stream online here for anyone wanting to watch from the UK.

Paul had been receiving treatment at a secure rehab unit in Portugal. His brother said he “screamed to go” as he “knew he needed and wanted help” having struggled with his mental health and drug addiction.

A group from the unit had gone for a walk and swim as part of their therapy when Paul got into trouble at sea.

It was reported a surfer tried to save him, but Paul sadly passed away.

The Northern Echo: Sao Pedro de Moel beach.Sao Pedro de Moel beach. (Image: GOOGLE)

Dale previously said: “He was my brother. He was my best friend.

“He was on the mend. He was so happy, waiting to show you all and make me proud.

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“He struggled hugely with his mental health because he had a huge heart.

“Ginge was a beautiful person, please remember his eyes and smile, please remember my brother.”

Paul was born in Darlington in 1982 and went to Mowden Junior School before attending Hummersknott until 1998.

He then worked in the family business from the age of 16 until he moved to Spain a few years later. His parents Don and Jan followed him to the Iberian peninsula a year later.

Some of the family including his uncle and cousins still live in Darlington.

The Foreign Office said they had not been approached to provide assistance.