FAMILY, friends and former colleagues will pay tribute and say farewell tomorrow (Tuesday, 17 March) to a much-loved local character and former firefighter.

Leonard 'Lennie' Ringshaw passed away on 8 February and his funeral service will take place at Corbets Tey at 12.30pm.

The funeral cortege will leave Lenny's home on Gordon Road, Corringham, at noon, and his coffin will be carried on a fire engine - reflecting on his many years of service as a firefighter, based in Hornchurch where he frequently led the way into burning buildings, being a specialist who often worked without breathing apparatus.

In the later years of his service he suffered a heart attack at the station gym, but fought and recovered his health to return to duty before his retirement.

He was very active after retiring, enjoying shared ownership of a narrow boat in which he toured UK canals.

He was a keen lawn greens bowler and longstanding member of the Springhouse Club but one of his biggest passions was supporting East Thurrock United Football Club, being a member of an unofficial supporters group that became known as the ETU Saga Louts, a nick-name coined by much-loved Corringham character Minnie Carrington. The amber and black clad group were once described as lager louts, but Minnie said: "Lager louts, they're more like Saga louts'. The name stuck and was embossed by another now much-missed local character Terry Keating, who produced big badges for the group to wear with pride.

Lennie and the Saga Louts enjoyed many a day out.

A celebration of Lennie's life will take place at the Springhouse after the funeral service.

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Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight knew Lennie well and was a co-member of the Saga Louts, who turned away days into special events including heading for some London matches by Thames day boats.

Lennie with ETU fans making their way to a match at Hampton and Richmond by boat.

Neil said: "I have so many wonderful memories of days with Lennie and the other Saga Louts, some who are sadly no longer with us.

"In all of them there is one consistent thing - his beaming smile. He was truly a lovely man and a gentleman and his loss will be a deep one for so many people."