A POLICE officer has collapsed and died at a North-East gym.

The police constable with the Cleveland force has not been named, but is understood to be aged 42.

An ambulance was called to Bannatyne Fitness, in Haughton Road, Darlington, shortly after 5pm on Saturday. The man was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

A Cleveland Police spokesman described the man as a good and valued officer and said the death was a tragic loss for the force.

He said police were doing all they could for the family of the officer. An inquest is expected to be opened shortly.