A POPULAR police officer who patrolled the streets of south Essex for 20 years has died aged 76.

Charlie Burt worked in Basildon and Canvey, from 1964 until the late 1980s, where he is remembered as a cheerful, jovial man.

His son John, 47, who lives in the High Street, Benfleet, said: "Dad always kept his work quiet when he was at home, but he was well-known on Canvey for being cheerful.

"In the last years of his life he suffered from cancer and a heart condition, but he was always jolly."

Charles Edward Burt was born in Tottenham, in February 1931. After leaving school, he joined the RAF as a photographer's clerk and was stationed in Egypt during the Suez crisis.

On his return he joined Essex Police and worked first in Upminster, then Takely in north Essex, before moving to south Essex.

When Charlie - as his friends and family knew him - was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his wife Eileen and their three children Brian, John, and Jackie.

He was also a regular in the Conservative clubs in Benfleet and Canvey as well as being a lifelong Spurs fan.

Bob Spink, MP for Castle Point, said Mr Burt was "one of the best."

He said: "He worked with great dignity to make Canvey a safer place and was much missed when he retired some years ago.

"I'm sure everyone in the community will be saddened to hear the news."

Mr Burt is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Friday at Basildon Crematorium. His family has requested no flowers. Donations can instead be made to the British Heart Foundation.