Tributes have been paid to 'a lively character with a huge personality'.

Stuart Constable, a well-known face around Bridport and West Bay and a supporter of many local events, has died aged 68.

Stuart met his wife Alison in 1976 and they moved to Dorset in 2008 after having spent many weekends in the area with friends.

In 2011, they were given the opportunity to share the Snack Shack in West Bay. With Stuart's 'gregarious personality' he quickly befriended many locals and visitors.

Alison said: "He was such a lively character with a huge personality. He was also one of the most caring and kind people I have ever come across - he would do absolutely anything for anyone should they need it.

"He was very well-known for his slightly eccentric behaviour and amused many folk when he chased seagulls away from tables with a super soaker, sometimes missing the seagulls and getting the odd customer instead, but they didn't seem to mind and took it all in good spirit. In fact, he spent most of his time outside chatting to customers, leaving the rest of us to do the work which was probably more helpful.

"Stuart was also very musical - he used to keep a ukulele at the shack and serenade people when they were having their food. His love of music prompted us to sponsor Guitars on the Beach and Jurassic Fields Music Festival.

Over the years we have befriended a couple of bikers, John and Wendy Bramble, who host a charity bike ride from Weymouth to Exmouth every year in the spring in aid of Clouds House rehabilitation centre and Action on Addiction charity. There are upwards of 200 motorbikes that all stop in West Bay. To do our part for this wonderful cause, Stuart and I decided to contribute any money that was taken from the riders for their breakfasts to the charity.

"Another local event in which we participate in the Onion Jack Tour. This is a bi-annual festival held outside The Salt House in West Bay in October.

"He loved the sea so bought a little day fisher boat called 'Flipper' which we used to go out on when we got the chance. We had many lovely, peaceful days out on the sea just appreciating the beautiful coastline we are lucky enough to enjoy."

Stuart leaves behind his wife, two daughters and three grand-daughters, aged 10, nine and six-weeks-old.