Friends and family have paid tribute to a well-known rag-and-bone man whose “warmth and humour” will be greatly missed.

Edward Butler, known as Ted, died peacefully at his Chatham home at the age of 77.

Ted was born on March 19, 1946, to Romani parents Ted and Betsy Butler in a caravan at Ruxley Pit Gypsy encampment near Bromley.

Growing up he helped his father with a horse and cart in the rag-and-bone trade. It was a physical job but he loved being outside.

As a child and with his family, he later moved to Medway where they lived in wagons in Ash Tree Lane, Chatham.

He was very proud of his heritage, recalled friends.

In his younger days, he would visit local pubs for a pint or two, sing songs and play the harmonica.

He was a lover of country music and a sucker for a love story.

His cousin said: “He was a brilliant singer and was known for his yodelling.”

Ted married his wife Mary in 1971 and together they moved around to various places before settling in Wayfield Road where they lived for more than thirty years, opposite his parents and sister.

Mary worked alongside her husband and they would have been a common sight together in his truck.

Close friend Tracey Huzzey said Ted was also a lover of traditional things: “He sometimes shook his head in disbelief at how the younger generation didn't have a conversation.”

Every day he would leave his house at 11 am, drive his car, park it, and then get two buses to visit Gillingham.

Tracey said: “On the journey, he would acknowledge everyone who crossed his path.

“Sometimes it would be a quick chat, a nod of the head and a tip of his famous flat cap.”

Mary died in 2014 and Ted visited his wife's grave often to keep it in prestige condition.

The couple had no children and few relatives but he remained close with his only sister, Faith, who died in 2018.

The siblings would go on daily trips, often meeting friends at cafes across Medway.

One of his favourite places was Greggs in the Pentagon, Chatham where he would have a cuppa.

Tracey said: “I loved his company and his stories about his childhood and his adult life.

“In our lives, we meet a lot of people but Ted made me proud to call him a friend.”

Tracey said Ted became a “Medway legend” who knew thousands of people.

He is remembered for enjoying life, “always having a smile on his face” and for “talking to anyone”.

Tracey added: “He always had everyone chuckling and would always be chatting because that’s what he enjoyed the most.

“He brightened people’s lives,” said his cousin.

Tracey said: “Ted always used to say ‘Look after yourself, mind how you go’.”

Ted died peacefully at his home on October 31 and will be laid to rest next month.

A funeral service will be held for him on December 7 at Luton Christ Church at 12.30pm followed by his burial at Palmerston Road New Cemetery.