TOUCHING tributes have been paid to the “mascot of Rayleigh” who cheered the lives of many.

Residents and businesses in Rayleigh have paid tribute to John Daines, lovingly described Laughing John.

The Echo understands he died in the last week but he had no next of kin.

A funeral director has even stepped in and pledged to arrange his funeral if family cannot be found.

John became hugely popular for his memorable laugh and various videos were shared on Facebook and Youtube.

The death has been met with an outpouring of sadness in the community.

Barry Rust, 39, of Rochefort Drive, Rochford painted a portrait of John a few years ago for the Rochford Art Trial.

He said: “For me, he was the mascot of Rayleigh. He brought out a community spirit.

“He was adored and honoured by so many.”

Jilly Browne, 33, of Crown Hill, Rayleigh said: “Everyone knew him as he was always in the High Street.

“He was so lovely and always happy and laughing.”

Barry Gardener, 44, of Love Lane, Rayleigh said: “It would be so nice to have something to remember him by in the high street.

“I’ve never heard a bad word said about him.

“He was a man who was always smiling and happy, that’s very rare.”

A. R. Adams Funeral Directors, in High Street, Rayleigh has offered to cover a funeral if no family is found.

A spokesman said: “The community of Rayleigh is coming together to honour well known man John Daines after news came this week of his sad passing.

“Should it turn out that no one comes forward to arrange a funeral for John then we would not allow him to go without a funeral service and would be honoured to provide our services free of charge.

“If this becomes the case we would also be happy to oversee any community donations for any cemetery or crematorium charges made by the council.

“It is early days and we are aware that things take time, so we are affording any family the opportunity to make arrangements as they see fit and will rightfully respect any decisions they make.”