THE former chairman of Basildon and Pitsea Carnival has died after dedicating more than 50 years of his life to the community.

Tributes have flooded in for George Coleman-Wood, 89, known locally as Mr Carnival, who died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday.

The former soldier, who fought during the Second World War, first got involved with the carnival in 1962 after moving to the area from London’s East End and has played a part in its success ever since.

His loyal deputy, Stuart Terson, who knew George for more than 20 years, was able to say goodbye to him just hours before he died. Mr Terson said: “George trained the rest of the committee well over the years we have all known him, and we will continue to run a carnival in Basildon in honour and memory of the man and friend who gave so much of himself to the carnival and Basildon.

“George is survived by both his brothers, five daughters, Andy his son and their partners, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“George had a positive influence on many people’s lives.

“There have been many posts and tributes on different groups on Facebook and other social sites, and I have even been stopped by people in the street.”

George joined the carnival committee as parade secretary and worked his way up to chairman of the old Basildon Carnival.

In 1986, he formed the Pitsea and Vange Carnival Association with his late wife Win and their son Andy, 14 years later the two events merged and Basildon and Pitsea Carnival, as it is known, was created.

George, the great-grandson of music hall singer and comedian Kate Carney, finally stepped down as chairman of the association at the end of last year due to ill health, passing the title over to deputy Mr Terson.

Just hours after being discharged from Basildon Hospital following a heart attack in 2004, dedicated George crowned the new carnival court.

The community stalwart also helped other carnival associations across the country, was involved with the Pitsea Christmas light switch-on, and fundraised for the Royal British Legion.

Last year, his efforts won him the recognition of Basildon Council, which named him Long Serving Volunteer and Volunteer of the Year at its annual Play Your Part awards.