British pensioner Rod Keates burnt alive in Bolivia after falling into boiling mud near geyser

A retired magistrate died on holiday after being burnt alive when he fell near a boiling geyser.

Rod Keates, 71, was taking photographs of the hot springs during a three-week walking trip in Bolivia when he sank into scorching mud.

He was rescued after screaming for help, but died on the way to hospital from catastrophic burns.

Mr Keates, from Leicestershire, leaves behind his wife, Pat, three daughters and five grandchildren.

David Mills, 71, who had known Mr Keates since they were teenagers, said: "He was a very generous and kind person."

Pete Bruning, 72 took part in a number of charity bike rides with Mr Keates. Paying tribute, he said: "He was a super chap and his death was very, very tragic.

"We were all shattered and we can't get our minds around the fact he won't be coming home from South America.

"He was always wanting to go to exotic places - he wanted to see as much of the world as he could."

Andrea Grindley, who served as a magistrate with Mr Keates, said: ""He was an excellent friend to all his mates and also a very modest chap.

"He was popular with everyone who knew him."

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: "We are providing support to the family of a British national following a death in Bolivia."