A ‘HERO’ dad died saving his children in a tragedy at sea in Barmouth this weekend.

Jonathan Stevens, 36, a father of seven, was said to be on holiday in the area when the tragedy happened.

Now a gofundme page has been started to help the family – and it’s already raised over £4,500 in less than a day.

The gofundme page states: “As you will have all seen the tragic news of a true Hero who sadly lost his life whilst saving his children.

“I wanted to set up this fund page to help Laura with any costs she may need along the way and also a little keep gift for the children as a memory of their Hero.

“We’re all thinking of you at this very sad time! lots of love xx”

North Wales Police said police and the Coastguard were called at 1.58pm on Sunday to a report that a man had got into difficulty in the sea in Barmouth.

"The man, believed to be in his 30s and on holiday in the area, was taken by Air Ambulance to Ysybyty Gwynedd, where he tragically died."

The air ambulance, police and coastguards attended the incident.

A Coastguard spokesman said: "At 1.31pm HM Coastguard received a 999 call reporting people in the water off Barmouth and sent Barmouth coastguard rescue team, Barmouth RNLI lifeboat, and HM Coastguard’s fixed wing aircraft.

"Barmouth harbourmaster and the coastguard rescue helicopter and Helimed also attended. A male casualty was recovered from the water and transferred to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor in a serious condition."