Manchester attack victim John Atkinson 'had heart of gold'

John Atkinson's relatives said he was the "life and soul of his family"

The family of a man who was killed in the Manchester attack have said his loss is "immeasurable".

John Atkinson, 28, from Radcliffe in Bury, was among 22 people who died when a suicide bomber attacked concertgoers at Manchester Arena on 22 May.

Paying tribute, his relatives said he was the "life and soul of his family".

They said he had been with his partner, Michael, for 15 years and was "well loved for his 'on point' eyebrows and his Nike flip-flops".

He was "the devoted son of Daryl and Kevan, a caring and thoughtful brother to Stacey, Laura and Amy, and also a dear uncle, nephew, cousin and friend".

Relatives told how he would text his mother and sisters every day to make sure they were OK.

Special report on Manchester concert attack

They said he loved his job as a support worker, looking after people with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

"They will feel his loss greatly," his family said.

He was "immensely proud" that he had recently lost eight stones in weight and went to the gym daily.

His loved ones said he was "music mad" and his "senseless death has left our family broken-hearted".

"Our lives have been shattered beyond belief," the family added.

"He had a heart of gold."