TRIBUTES have been paid to an ‘incredibly enthusiastic’ community stalwart who has sadly died.

Robin ‘Harry’ Harrington died peacefully on July 13 aged 69. He was well known throughout the Burnham community as a long term champion of the town carnival.

Harry was born in Alpha Road, Burnham and was the fourth of five siblings. He lived in the town for his whole life, spending many of those years working. He attended Devonshire Road School, and Sunday School, Pilots and later FURY at the United Reformed Church.

Upon leaving school, he did his seven year shipwright apprenticeship at Priors Boat Yard, where he stayed for the many years. He also worked for Cleopatra Cruisers, and Prouts in Canewdon, returning to Priors in 1994, remaining there until retiring in 2013.

Harry was also a keen cricketer and a retained fire fighter.

He married his wife Gwen in 1976, and they moved to The Leas a year later, where they lived until his death.

Harry’s great passion was Burnham Carnival, having only ever missed one procession throughout his life. He was a member of the committee in the early 1970s and re-joined in the early 2000s, becoming chairman in 2010. He stepped down as chairman in 2013 but remained an active committee member, becoming vice chairman, chaperoning the court to other carnivals and being heavily involved during the daytime activities.

In 2014, he was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Community trophy for his tireless work in ensuring the carnival continued to be a success year after year. He is survived by his wife Gwen, sons Lloyd and Neale, and grandchildren Oliver, Sophie, Connie and Layla.

In a joint statement, his family said: “As well as his passion for Burnham’s carnival, Harry also love fairgrounds, and steam engines and had recently visited Carters Steam Fair in Maldon.

“He had a shared passion with his grandson for trains, and they often could be found train spotting together. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

At a Burnham Town Council Meeting, former town mayor Ron Pratt said: “I was extremely shocked to hear the news of the death of Harry Harrington. He was extremely helpful during my time as mayor with the carnival and various other matters. "

John Randall, Burnham Carnival President, said: “Harry run the afternoon events when he was a committee member in the 1970s, and run the bingo with Gwen when he returned to the committee.

“He has been an enthusiastic member ever since, in fact it is through Harry that we have the Caribbean dancers Rampage taking part in our procession, and to see Harry dancing in front was something else!

“Personally I will miss Harry greatly, not only at the carnival, but as a true friend.”

Harry’s funeral will take place on August 10 at Chelmsford Crematorium at 11.30am, followed by a service at United Reformed Church, Burnham. All are welcome.