TRIBUTES have been paid to television reporter David Forsdyke who has died at the age of 55.

Mr Forsdyke, or Fozzy as he was known by his friends, lived in Whitstable. He was diagnosed with cancer four years ago.

Mr Forsdyke was a Royal Marine cadet before embarking on a career in journalism. A senior Freemason, he worked for Meridian Tonight until ill health forced him into early retirement.

Former colleague and friend, John Ryall, said: “He alone was capable of breaking a wide range of stories thanks to one of the best contacts books in the business.

“And the people in that contacts book were far more than contacts. Foz socialised with them because he wanted to. He found people fascinating.”

Mr Forsdyke’s widow Pamela is organising a gathering of friends to celebrate his life at the Monument in Church Street, Whitstable.

She said: “I want it to be an event where people can remember him and exchange some of those Foz stories Anything sombre would be quite wrong.”

Nick Myers, regional editor of Meridian Tonight, said: “David, or Fozzy as he was known by just about everyone, was probably the last of the breed of great character journalists.

“He was talented, resourceful, immensely likeable and truly eccentric. He will be sorely missed by all his colleagues.”

Mr Forsdyke also leaves two daughters, Charlotte and Natalie.