A 55-year-old North Yorkshire hospital consultant has died suddenly while holidaying in Egypt.

Michael Oakley, who was based at Harrogate District Hospital, was described as a respected specialist who had a wonderful sense of humour.

One report suggested he had died following a diving accident while another suggested he may have suffered a heart attack.

"There was shock and sadness when we heard about his sudden death," said a hospital spokesman.

Mr Oakley, who lived in the Harrogate area, was on a family holiday.

A hospital spokesman said there had been conflicting reports about his death.

Mr Oakley was consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital, taking up his appointment in 1982. Earlier he had worked at hospitals in the Merseyside area and was education at Wolverhamton Grammar School.

"In his 20 years as a consultant in Harrogate Michael played a key role in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology and was involved in opening new facilities for the unit at Strayside Wing during 1998," said the hospital spokesman.

Colleagues said Mr Oakley had worked closely with others to consistently provide a caring and quality service to patients from the wider Harrogate district.

"He was highly respected on a professional and personal level," added the hospital spokesman.