The family of the late Alec John Hopkins, a local volunteer and campaigner, has invited the community to watch his funeral cortège pass through Maldon tomorrow (August 24).

Alec died from a heart attack on July 18, aged 77.

He had been involved with a number of community organisations since moving to Maldon 25 years ago, including the Steam Tug Brent Trust, The Maldon Hedgehogs (formerly Streetlife) and Maldon Carnival.

His son, Simon Hopkins, said: "He loved Maldon and tried to campaign so much for the good of the Maldonians."

Between 2.50pm and 3pm tomorrow, the procession will leave the East of England Co-op Funeral Services on Market Hill, Maldon. It will then travel through the town and down past Park Drive.

Residents are encouraged to "clap and make noise or just stand in silence" to remember the beloved dad and grandad.

The funeral will be held at Chelmsford Cemetery at 3.30pm.

"My dad is my hero and I miss him so very much."

Simon told Nub News: "My dad was the most placid man going. He loved his family and friends.

"He would help anyone and would never have a bad thing to say about anyone.

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The greatest thing I remember my dad telling me is, 'don't worry - everything can be fixed'.

"My dad is my hero and I miss him so very much."

Alec's sudden and unexpected death prompted an outpouring of kind messages from residents in Maldon, who have fond memories of him.

Over the last few years, Alec campaigned passionately for the marine swimming lake in Promenade Park, Maldon, to be reinstated for the benefit of the local community.

The lake has not been used for swimming since 2002, when man hit his head on a post submerged in the water and died.

However, campaigners argue the saltwater swimming lake should be reinstated as a useful local asset. Some are calling for it to be reinstated in Alec's memory.

Also in Alec's memory, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money for the Steam Tug Brent, which Alec was a keen supporter of. He volunteered weekly to help restore the 77-year-old vessel.

So far, £540 has been raised. Those wishing to donate can do so via the GoFundMe page.