David Cameron's father died today after a suffering a stroke on holiday, shortly after the prime minister arrived at his bedside at a hospital in the south of France where he was being treated.

Downing Street confirmed that Ian Cameron, who was 77, passed away after being admitted to hospital suffering a stroke and heart problems.

Friends said Cameron was "relieved" to have been at the bedside, and was "pleased" that his father died peacefully during a "happy family holiday".

The prime minister rushed to France with his brother Alex after a 6am phone call from his mother Mary alerted him to his father's condition.

They touched down at around 12.30pm after taking a commercial flight from London City airport to Toulon, from where they were taken to the hospital on a helicopter provided by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Sources close to the PM said he was "incredibly grateful" that the French authorities had provided air transport. It is understood he would probably not have been able to reach his father in time otherwise.

Ian Cameron was said to have been "proud" to see his son become prime minister, and had visited both 10 Downing Street and Chequers.

Ian Cameron was born with both legs deformed, and endured repeated operations in an attempt to straighten them and ease his pain.

However, despite his disability, he forged a successful career as a stockbroker.

In an ITV interview before the General Election, the Tory leader said: "My father is a huge hero figure for me.

"He's an amazingly brave man because he was born with no heels – quite a disability. But the glass with him was half-full, normally with something alcoholic. I think I got my sense of optimism from him."

A statement issued by Downing Street said: "It is with deep regret we can confirm that Ian Cameron died earlier this afternoon. He passed away shortly after the prime minister arrived at the hospital in France where he was undergoing treatment."

Cameron, who returned from paternity leave on Monday, decided to cancel his scheduled Commons appearance for Prime Minister's Questions after talking to doctors in France today.

The prime minister's spokesman said Ian Cameron's death was not believed to be connected to any pre-existing medical condition.

Ian and Mary Cameron were halfway through a two-week holiday when he suffered a stroke and heart complications overnight.

Downing Street said Ian Cameron was not thought to have met the PM's new daughter, Florence, who was born last month.

Cameron previously described how he drew inspiration from his father, describing him as a "huge hero figure". Ian Cameron, a former stockbroker, sought to live a normal life despite a disability that resulted in deformed legs. He endured repeated operations in an attempt to straighten them and ease his pain.

In an ITV interview before the general election, the Tory leader said: "My father is a huge hero figure for me. He's an amazingly brave man because he was born with no heels – quite a disability. But the glass with him was half-full, normally with something alcoholic. I think I got my sense of optimism from him."

He lived with his wife Mary – a former magistrate – in Peasemore, Berkshire.

By The Guardian UK