Hundreds of people gathered in the bright sunshine for an emotional memorial concert paying tribute one of Norfolk's leading lights of live music this afternoon.

Friends, family and former band members of Bobby Secker, who taught himself to play the bass guitar aged 16 and recorded for the BBC with the band Mississippi Delta, took part in the event in his former home village of Shipdham.

His widow Marlene, who helped organise the charity event, said he had lived for his music and the concert had brought together people she had not seen for 20-30 years.

Mr Secker died suddenly aged 67 in April 2011 on his way to play a gig in Lowestoft, and more than 600 people attended his funeral.

Mrs Secker said: 'My daughter Tammie just said 'We had better do something for dad and his band' and I just asked the park if I could do it here. It just escalated and escalated but I'm so pleased because it's a chance for people to get together.'

She admitted shedding a few tears during the first song of the afternoon, I Flew Over Your Home Last Night, a track he had recorded.

About 600 tickets were sold in advance and many more people came on the day, turning Bullock Park into a sea of camping chairs as families and fans settled down in the sunshine or danced under the big marquee.

Bobby Graham, who played with Mr Secker in Mississippi Delta in the 1970s, compered for the afternoon and remembered him as a kind, gentle and helpful man who was devoted to his family and dotted on his music.

He said he had even honoured a booking that clashed with the night of his wedding because he never wanted to let anyone down.

He said: 'The little hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I bet he is up there with his pint of Guinness. He would have said 'What the hell are you doing this for?''