Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to dedicated volunteer Barry Clout.

Mr Clout, known throughout Medway for his voluntary work with youth organisations, has died at the age of 77, following a short illness.

His wife Marion said she had since been inundated with wellwishers and letters of condolence, but said her husband had never sought the limelight.

“He would help anyone,” she said. “If they needed it he would help out, and he gave his all. When he was in hospital five years ago he couldn’t wait to get out and back in the harness again. He just didn’t like stopping.

“He gave his all to all the organisations he worked with – they’re going to miss him.”

Mr Clout attended Rochester Technical School as a boy before going on to do national service and then teacher training at Loughborough.

He taught heavy craft at Chatham Grammar School for Boys, before moving on to teach the same at Longfield School.

His practical skills never left him and he became known as Mr Fix It among neighbours in Taverners Road, Rainham, his home for 40 years.

But it is arguably for his voluntary work since retirement that he will be remembered best; he was involved with Medway Voluntary Action, Try Angle Foundation, Medway Children’s Action Network, Kent Scouts, the Young Lions Foundation, Medway Countryside Forum, and the CXK, a charity that helps young people and adults to develop skills and raise aspirations.

“In addition to his voluntary work, Barry was a champion for young people and I will certainly miss his support, experience and advice.” - Cllr O'Brien

He also worked as an appropriate adult – volunteers who support vulnerable young people in police custody.

Mrs Clout said her husband was known for his wicked sense of humour, but was also a stickler for detail.

“All the meetings he went to – they all said they’re going to be quicker without him because if there was anything wrong they could always rely on Barry to find it,” she said.

Medway Council chief executive Neil Davies said: “Barry was a passionate and committed individual and Medway will be a lesser place with his passing.”

While Cllr Mike O’Brien, cabinet member for youth services, said: “In addition to his voluntary work, Barry was a champion for young people and I will certainly miss his support, experience and advice.”

Mr Clout had three children; son Robin, and daughters Helen and Sara, who said she had been comforted by tributes from Medway Voluntary Action.

“He will leave a lasting impression in many people’s lives. He was never afraid to ask questions and challenge,” she wrote. “My father had a sense of humour that not everyone got but I enjoyed. I always said he would never retire but would leave this world before he left his work.

“Proud is not a special enough word to describe how we feel about our dad and there was of course a ‘good woman’ behind him who deserves recognition too.”