TRIBUTES have been paid to a former firefighter and church stalwart.

Terrance ‘Terry’ Crotty, of The Vineway, Dovercourt, died at home on June 8 aged 73 years.

At 13 Mr Crotty was knocked off his bike after a collision with a car and his parents were told he would never walk again.

But he recovered and went on to join the Essex Fire Service in 1961.

During his career he was a training officer, a port liaison officer at Harwich International Port, station manager at Dovercourt and a fire prevention investigation officer.

His wife Anne said: “Following retirement from the Service, Terry continued with his community spirit.

“He became a member of and served Dovercourt Central Church faithfully for many years.”