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Tributes have been paid to a former Derbyshire fire cadet described as having a "big heart" and a "fun sense of humour".

Andreas Hickman-Vieira died on 8 November following a diagnosis of Thymus Carcinoma - a rare cancer.

The 20-year-old joined the fire service in 2018 and had aspirations to become a firefighter in the future.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cadet had a "huge impact" on those who knew him.

He was diagnosed in 2022 and was transferred to Nottingham Queen's Medical Centre in September for end-of-life care.

Mr Hickman-Vieira's family said they were heartbroken to be told he had weeks to live.

'Helpless and devastated'

They had set up an online fundraising page to fund his end-of life-care, while raising awareness of the cancer.

"As parents we feel helpless and devastated," they said on the page.

Any money left over would help support the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit in Nottingham, the family added.

The fire service paid tribute, saying he continued working during the Covid-19 pandemic and finally marked the completion of the programme at a ceremony in 2021.

Chief fire officer and chief executive Gavin Tomlinson said: "Andreas had a huge impact on those that he knew and worked with within Derbyshire and the wider community.

"He was always there to lend a helping hand at station events and I'm sure he will be remembered for his big heart and fun sense of humour.

"Our thoughts are with Andreas' family at this extremely difficult time, and we will support them as much as we can as they continue to grieve his loss."

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