TRIBUTES have been paid locally this evening to Mick Norcross, the Thurrock boy made good who became a nationwide celebrity.

Mr Norcross, 57, was found dead at his home in Bulphan today (Thursday, 21 January) and villagers there have spoken of their shock at the news and have paid tribute to his generosity.

Janet McCheyne MBE, of Horndon on the Hill, who chairs the Bulphan Community Forum and helped teach some of Mr Norcross's children at the village primary school, told Thurrock Nub News: "The community of Bulphan are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Mick Norcross.

"He was always ready to have a friendly chat with neighbours in the village shop, and offered help with many local projects.

"Our thoughts go out to his family."

Mr Norcross was born in Grays and attended local schools before starting work by following in the footsteps of his dad at Tilbury docks. He was a contemporary of Grays man Peter Harrington, who fondly remembered days when they were at school together at St Thomas's Primary.

He said: "He was always a popular figure and he really was a local boy who made good. He was also a genuinely nice bloke. Through his life, like many of us he went through a few scrapes but he deserved all the things that came his way in the end.

"It's just so very sad to hear this news this evening."

And celebrities from across Essex and beyond have also paid their tributes to a man who gained national fame through his participation in reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE).

He made his TOWIE debut in 2011 during the show's second season. His son Kirk was part of the original cast when the show began a year prior.

One of those who featured in the show, Mario Falcone paid tribute to his co-star this evening, saying: "You were the perfect gentlemen and I am thankful I got the privilege of having you in my life."

Fellow Essex businessman and friend Russell Quirk said: "Sad to learn of the death of Micky - a true Essex legend gone too soon.

Earlier today Mr Norcross, whose body was discovered this afternoon, had posted a haunting last tweet on social media. It read: "'At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could. And that is good enough."

Mr Norcross's death brought a premature end to a colourful life, well-lived but one of which he had recently spoken about slowing down. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family rather than his businesses.

He told the Echo newspaper: "I tend not to look back too much if I can help it, only to look forward. I try to be positive.

"I've probably got regrets about getting involved with the nightclub industry if I'm honest with you, the restaurants and bars. When I say regrets, it's been really time consuming and a financial strain to operate those type of businesses.

"They're not easy. Everyone might think that they're glamorous and everyone wants to have a go at owning a bar and that, but they're not easy.

"It is a tough, tough game to keep on top of. And I invested heavily in that and if I have any regrets...maybe I wouldn't have invested as heavily in that because it's taken its toll on me in terms of the time I've had to put into to it and maybe that time could have been better directed elsewhere.

"But that's the lessons we learn in life. We make decisions and see where we end up.

"Thankfully, I've got my young family around me now, who are helping me.

"And they are a great help and as I can pass things over to them I intend to relax a bit more and hopefully enjoy life and see a bit more of the world, that's the plan."