TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a stalwart charity leader, taxi driver and ex-councillor who worked tirelessly to help thousands of children in Southend.

Brian Houssart was so dedicated to helping children that it became “contagious”, friends said.

In 1972, he co-founded the Southend Taxi Drivers’ Charity Fund which helps children with illnesses and disabilities in the town. He became president in 2000.

Every year, balloon-covered taxi convoys filled with smiling children are seen driving through Southend, thanks to the work of the fund, which he led until recently.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Brian and his wife Heather after being made and MBE in 2009

He also worked with other groups such as the London Taxi Drivers’ Group, Turning Tides and Southend’s Council for Voluntary Service.

Mr Houssart died at the age of 86 on Saturday following a battle with dementia. He is survived by his wife Heather, three children, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr Houssart’s family paid tribute to him, saying that “his life was the charity” and that he and his wife worked “tirelessly” on it.

They added: “As a family we would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support during this difficult time.”

Mr Houssart also served as a Conservative councillor for St Laurence ward for and worked for AC Taxis.

In 2009, for his work for the charity, he was made an MBE by the Queen.

A charity spokesman said: “He was a big part of Southend, the town he loved and dedicated most of his life to serving.

“His enthusiasm for helping children in need was contagious, everyone wanted to help, at its peak the charity would regularly take 150 children on outings they may not otherwise get.

“He always used to say that behind every man is a good woman but his wife Heather was always by his side in whatever he did. He will be missed by all his friends and family, funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Brian receiving a cheque on behalf of the charity from Tony Evenson in 2010

Stephen Noakes, general manager of AC 334455, said: “I have known Brian since I was a young lad. The charity fund was Brian’s life, I remember going round his house and you couldn’t get through the door, because of all the collection tins and other charity paraphernalia. The annual Southend children’s charity run will have a gaping hole left from Brian’s passing. My thoughts are with Heather and the rest of Brian’s family.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said: "I very much regret to learn of the death of Brian Houssart, following so soon after the death of Michael Dolby.

"They had both been St Laurence ward Councillors at the same time and also associated with Leigh Town Council.

"Brian was a remarkable and wonderful person. He was well known in the town, not only because of his public service but of course for his work as a taxi driver.

"He knew the roads of not only Southend but a wider area better than anyone else, and took great pride in his work.

"Among the many things that Brian will be remembered for is his tireless work, together with his wife Heather, for establishing and running the Taxi Drivers’ Charity Fund for Children.

"He was totally dedicated to the charity and throughout the year managed to provide lovely outings for underprivileged children and their families.

"Every year I would greatly enjoy attending the celebration tea and disco. At these events the outpouring of warmth towards Brian was clear for everyone to see. He really lit up those lives of youngsters who faced so many challenges.

"Brian was an outstanding councillor and public servant and I will always be grateful for the loyal support he gave me over many years. I would always look forward to seeing him at public events such as the Carnival, always with a positive attitude and a smile on his face.

"We have all lost a good friend in Brian who made a real difference to people’s lives. I send my deepest sympathy to his widow Heather and his children."