TRIBUTES have been paid to a “funny and personable” former manager at the Cliffs Pavilion.

Leslie Cullen has died aged 83 after a battle with dementia and alzheimers.

He joined the theatre in the mid 1960s and worked with the likes of Morecambe and Wise and Sir Cliff Richard during his exciting career.

He left the theatre in the late Seventies and went on to work at theatres in Brighton and London before joining a family-run security business.

He leaves behind two sons, Peter and Robert, and two grandchildren.

His son Peter, 55, who now lives in South Carolina, said the theatre was such a big part of family life.

He said: “My dad loved working in the entertainment business.

“He also loved football.

“He started out in the business in Margate, then went to work in Scarborough and later Westcliff.

“There was a lot of variety at the Cliffs Pavilion when my dad worked there, and he took a great deal of pride in that.

“He left the theatre in the late Seventies.”

Mr Cullen said despite the sadness there is an element of relief as the diseases were so horrible.

Chas Mumford, Tory councillor for Canvey East, worked with Les at the theatre.

Mr Mumford said: “We worked closely together and he was strong supporter of theatres being supported.

“Les had a great sense of humour and was a practical joker.

“He was funny and we worked well together and we had a close team with us and Mike Presling.

“I very much enjoyed working with Les and would consider him a good friend.

“I went to see him earlier this year, and he remembered me which was nice.

“I am very glad I visited him.”

Mr Cullen died on August 29 while he was living in a care home in Surrey.