Tributes have been paid to a ‘witty’ and ‘irreplaceable’ friend who ‘leaves a pothole in Bridport that will never be filled again’.

Ben Marlborough died on December 1 aged 45.

He was born in Manchester and grew up there. After school, Ben studied drama and went on to act in professional performances, including the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. As a young man he sent a period protesting environmental issues and was part of the Newbury bypass protests in an attempt to stop the felling of trees. He went on the train as a nurse, although in his early twenties, his friends say his life was impacted by mental health problems.

Ben moved to Bridport around 10 years ago after finding a leaflet promoting Pilsdon in a Christian bookshop. He valued the support received from the staff there which enabled him to live independently and make Bridport his home.

He volunteered at Chancery House day centre, was the pioneer of The Ropemaker’s Pagan Moot, enjoyed watching live music in the town, as well as attending the Frolic and Beat Safari nights, and performed with the Bridport Shakespeare Company.

Valerie Goodwin, of Bridport Shakespeare Company, said: “It is with huge sadness that I heard we have now lost Ben. Ben played Antonio in Twelfth Night and was the Duke for Measure for Measure until he felt he couldn’t give it his all and handed the part over.

“A wonderful actor with a deep professional knowledge and unmatchable attention to detail. Ben had an extraordinary full life and had a tale for every occasion. Outspoken, hilarious, irreplaceable - Ben you will be missed.”

The group is putting together an event called ‘We need to talk’, which will raise awareness and funds for Samaritans and similar charities. Date to be confirmed.

Ben’s friend Jo Clare said: “Ben built up an extensive network of friends here who will miss him deeply, known for his witty humour and sense of mischief, he would make a mundane night out magical, invariably ending up in Number 10 where he would request the DJ played Enya - they never did.

“He was also a caring man who looked out for those he knew were vulnerable, having built up friends in Pilsdon and through the community mental health team. He knew the challenges mental health presented and he made a point of looking out for those who needed his support, making sure he was always there to talk.

“Ben will also be missed by those who didn’t know him but knew his routine. Every day he would go to Waitrose to buy a pastry and a free cup of coffee. He would peruse the charity shops for cheap sci-fi books and DVDs and had a fond friendship with the volunteers who run them. He would also wander round Boots, trying on the perfume and flirting with the shop assistants.

“Ben was quirky and interesting and contributed to an important part of the diversity that makes Bridport great. He was highly intelligent with a wide range of interests as diverse as Robin Hood of Sherwood - he ran the official conventions before he moved to Bridport - sci-fi, eighties cult TV and Sufism. He was a pub quiz team asset and the breadth of his knowledge and experience never ceased to intrigue those close to him.

“In the end, Ben’s daily battle with mental health became too much for him. He was able to articulate his issues clearly but the mental health support in Dorset was just not adequate to protect him.

“He has touched so many in the town and whilst he rests in peace, we are left without a little part of what makes this town special.”

A memorial party will be held at The Ropemaker’s pub on Saturday, January 18 at 2.30pm.