Allotment holders in Hunstanton will remember their much-loved chairman at their annual open day.

Keith May passed away peacefully at his home in the town on Tuesday, February 27, at the age of 81. He leaves his wife Jenny and his extended family.

In his earlier years Mr May, a proud Liverpudlian, rose to the rank of Major during his service with the Coldstream Guards.

In retirement he was a stalwart member of the Northfields Allotment Club on Cromer Road for 10 years before he became its chairman.

Paying tribute, the club said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of Keith.

'He was a unique and much-loved character. Our thoughts are with his wife Jenny, his family and his many, many friends in Hunstanton and further afield at this time.'

Acting chair Chris Bishop said: 'I knew Keith as a neighbour for the best part of 20 years. I treasured his friendship, his sharp wit and words of wisdom. He was someone so many people will never forget in our town.'

Mr Bishop said this year's allotment open day on Sunday, August 19, would be dedicated to Mr May, who lived on Glebe Avenue.

'It's not only going to be the day we throw open the gates to welcome people onto the site to find out a little more about what goes on and buy some produce,' he said.

'Keith played such a big part the allotments over the years. It's only right we find a fitting way to remember him and celebrate all he did to keep Northfields thriving.

'Open days were always something Keith took particular pride in. I know how much he enjoyed the day, from planning it with his usual military precision to showing the mayor and visitors around the site.'

Mr May's funeral will be held at Mintlyn Crematorium, King's Lynn on Wednesday, March 28 (3.15pm).