TRIBUTES have been paid to a Pershore man, who died of lymph cancer aged just 45.

Stephen Welch, known by most people in the town as Snorky, lost his fight with the disease at Worcester Royal Hospital on Thursday, June 24, following a seven-month battle.

Pershore town councillor Dave Shaw said Mr Welch was a great conversationalist with many interests. "He had a great love of music, Pre-Raphaelite art and North American Indian culture. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."

Close friend Jim Richardson said he had known Snorky for more than 20 years. "He was fun-loving, jovial and popular with everyone around the town." Spencer Cooper, landlord of the Brandy Cask, said he was always happy to see Mr Welch in his pub. "If everyone was like Snorky the World would be a much better place.

Snorky's funeral will be at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, July 9, at 11.30am.