TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Basildon's unsung heroes.

Rodney Wingfield created one of the country's most popular fictional detectives, Inspector Jack Frost, but many of his neighbours were not even aware of his success.

He shunned the spotlight in favour of living at his modest home in Long Riding, where he spent most of his life, until recently moving to Clay Hill Road.

Mr Wingfield, 79, penned a string of best-selling novels featuring the dishevelled detective, portrayed on TV by actor David Jason. The author, who wrote under the name RD Wingfield, died following a five-year battle against prostate cancer.

He never courted publicity and he was the main carer for his invalid wife Phyllis Patten, who he married in 1952. She died in 2004.

He is famous for almost never having his photograph taken and for declining interview requests and book launch invitations.

Ralph Spurrier, founder of the online book shop Post Mortem Books, spoke of his respect for the acclaimed writer.

He said: "It is a great shame the cancer he had battled with so privately finally took him before he could enjoy the appearance of his last book, Killing Frost, which comes out next April.

"Posterity will, in my opinion and that of many others, including other authors, place him among the greats of the crime-writing world."