Hundreds of people have paid their respects following the death of a talented musican and father.

Robin Bailey, also known to his friends as Bob, grew up in Braintree and was well-known in the town for being friendly and determined to help others in need.

Mr Bailey, who lived in Constable House in Braintree, sadly died of a sudden heart attack aged 56 on February 20.

The grandfather-of-three had two daughters, Sarah Roots and Jade Bailey, who is pregnant with his fourth grandchild, and one son Sam Bailey, who all live in Braintree.

Miss Bailey said: “We would just like to say how much we loved him and he was the best dad he could have been to all three of us.

Mrs Roots, 34, added: “Our lives are never going to be the same again"

Dave Wightman, friend and landlord of The Nags Head in Braintree where Mr Bailey was a customer, said: “Every pub should have a customer like him and he would never admit it but he was one of the best blues guitarists around."

See the current edition of The Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.