THE ashes of former pirate radio DJ Dave Cash were scattered into the sea from a lifeboat off Harwich quay as part of the last BBC pirate radio show in the town.

Fellow DJ Johnnie Walker poured his friends ashes into the sea today while Cash’s widow, Sara, threw roses.

Known as being one of BBC Radio 1’s original DJs, Cash started his radio career on pirate Radio London in the 1960s.He later went on to become one of the launch team of Capitol Radio with his pirate co-star Kenny Everett. The 74-year-old, who spent 50 years in radio, died last October.

Crowds watched the event from the Ha’Penny Pier. It was held today to coincide with 50th anniversary of the Marine Offences Act which ended pirate radio broadcasts.

The anniversary was marked with the last BBC pirate radio three-day broadcast from the LV18 - the last manned lightship - at Harwich quay.

Tony O’Neill, from the Pharos Trust, which owns and runs the lightship, said: “Dave’s wife, Sara, wanted it to be a public event and it was lovely.

“She said Dave’s listeners were all his friends and that is how it would have wanted it.

“It was a wonderful event, the Ha’Penny Pier and the Harwich lifeboat were packed. There were so many people on the port side of the LV18, it was leaning.

“Everyone was throwing roses into the water, it was marvellous."

David Thurston, Harwich RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: “It was an honour and privilege for the Harwich lifeboat volunteer crew to be involved in the high profile scattering of Dave Cash’s ashes.

“With the lifeboat moored inside Halfpenny Pier, the scattering took place in view of hundreds of well-wishers lining the deck of LV18 and the pier.

“It was wonderful to be able to offer Sara Cash and Johnnie Walker support and some space of their own on the lifeboat during the public ceremony.”