A yacht club has paid its own tribute to a police officer who died after contracting Covid-19.

Special Constable Toby Speller was a member of the Thorpe Bay Yacht Club and served in Essex Police’s Marine Unit.

The force announced SC Speller had died from coronavirus earlier this week.

The yacht club has paid its own tribute to SC Speller in a statement posted on its website.

Commodore Adrian Bunting said: "On behalf of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club and all our members I would like to pay tribute to one of life's true gentleman and fellow sailor of our club.

"He will be sadly missed by all those who had the pleasure to know him. Having joined the club as a cadet in the 80s he has remained active at the club ever since.

"There was never anything which was too much trouble for him to do, repair or organise and this was all done in the back ground if possible with little or no fuss involved.

"Toby was passionate about being active on the water and his enjoyment was encouraging others to also indulge in his love affair with the water and in particular sailing.

"There is not one person who has been a member of the club over the years who has not been helped by Toby and I don't think theres a single part of any of our rescue boats Toby has not had apart and fixed at one time or another.

"He was also a loving husband and father to their two young children who also share a passion for his love of the sea.

"We are aware that Toby's influence was not only at the club and with his family but also the wider community as he was an active voluntary member of Essex Police where again his passion for the water played a big part.

"Toby is a huge loss to us all and we at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club will never forget him.

"The family wish privacy at this time but are very keen that the message to wash your hands, wear a mask and keep your distance is spread far and wide as they do not wish any other family to suffer a similar loss as this could happen to anyone."

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The club has also posted a poem dedicated to Mr Speller.

It reads: “The tide comes in today as any other but today there will be no sailing.

“Today it took our collective strength just to put the flags up with love.

“Rest in Peace our dear friend Toby.”

Tributes have poured in following Mr Speller’s death, including from Essex Police’s Chief Con BJ Harrington.

He wrote on Twitter: “Spent time with Toby at EPMarine in Dec.

"He was passionate about being part of Essex Specials averaging 700 hours a year and an inspiration to many.

"My thoughts & prayers with his wife, children, friends & colleagues.

"Rest in peace."