Tributes have been paid to one of the city's great horticultural champions who was seen by many as 'Mr Norwich in Bloom.'

Eastern Daily Press: Bill Webster from Norwich in Bloom in 2005.Bill Webster from Norwich in Bloom in 2005.

Bill Webster, one of the leading lights of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom group for many years, has died just days before his 93rd birthday.

The inspirational community stalwart had a great pride in his city and was passionate about keeping Norwich looking bright and colourful with beautiful floral displays.

Mr Webster, a former chairman of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom and an ambassador for the group, also played a key role in making sure Norwich proudly waved its horticultural flag in regional and national competitions - in July he was among the party to welcome the 2014 RHS Britain in Bloom judges to Norwich.

Julie Brociek-Coulton, secretary and competitions organiser of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom, said: 'He inspired, encouraged and enthused people to want to be involved with the Norwich in Bloom group.

Eastern Daily Press: Britain in Bloom judges greeted by Bill Webster, Chloe Smith and an assortment of Norwich characters at the Assembly House. Photo: Bill SmithBritain in Bloom judges greeted by Bill Webster, Chloe Smith and an assortment of Norwich characters at the Assembly House. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant)

'He was like a dad to us and was the foundation of our group, and was a fantastic ambassador...Bill never missed a meeting and even on Anglia and Britain [judging] routes he made sure he sat in the back of the minibus to make sure that the judges were told of all of the achievements that had happened in Norwich.

'Even right to the end when he couldn't walk very far he still attended events. Even this year in the Lord Mayor's Procession, Bill was seated on the float, playing a active role.'

She described Mr Webster as 'irreplaceable.'

'He will be sadly missed by all of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom team and everyone who met him. He is irreplaceable. Our thoughts go out to his wife Phyllis and all his family at this sad time,' she said.

Kerry Annison, one of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom team, also spoke of how Mr Webster inspired and encouraged people with his love of horticulture.

Mr Webster, of Friends Road, Norwich, was also well known for his paintings and he presented Norwich in Bloom competition winners, Norwich's Lord Mayor and Sheriff, and other deserving people with his colourful artwork.