TOUCHING tributes have been paid to “tough guy” Peter Watkin, one of south Essex’s top motorcyclists.

Mr Watkin passed away peacefully at his home in Westcliff aged 87 last month.

He was remembered as a daredevil motorcyclist who organised the first mass motorcycle scramble at Hadleigh’s Salvation Army farm in 1952.

He had also won tonnes of trophies and memorabilia gathered through his own daring escapades on two wheels and, later, four.

Mr Watkin was also instrumental in organising motorcycling events locally and across the country.

Mike Grimwade, 77, who was a prominent member of Thames Estuary Auto Club (TEAC) along with Mr Watkin, remembered him as a very popular man.

He said: “Peter and I were in TEAC from the mid-1960s until the late 80s.

“He was a very well-liked guy, and we organised a lot of local and international motorcycling events.

“He was a very tough guy, but you have to be one if you’re involved in this sport. You have to know how to handle your bike with confidence.

“We’ve organised reunions for old members, there were many great laughs. We’ve shared lots of drinks together and he was a very lovely guy.”

Mr Watkin, along with other committee members, had worked hard along the years to promote the mountain bike Olympics. Since the first event, it has blossomed into a roaring success over the years. The 1952 event was launched to mark the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth and thousands of people turned up.

Mr Grimwade said: “He is always willing to help others.” Mr Watkin’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 19 at the Southend Crematorium at 3pm.