TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'stalwart of the Leominster community' who has died aged 58.

Michael James has been described as not only a huge influence and inspiration to his family and friends but also to the wider community.

Mr James, who died last Friday after a cancer battle, was heavily involved in many creative ventures in the town including the Leominster Festival.

He also played a key role in the development of the Playhouse Theatre and Cinema, based at Leominster Community Centre, alongside Richard Brookman and Joan Thwaites.

Today the cinema offers its audiences live shows, satellite broadcasts from the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera and Ballet and exhibitions on screen and film.

A project he had been working on was to bring a 'real cinema' to Leominster so the community could access a full cinema experience – something his family are to continue working towards in his memory.

In a statement, Mr James' sons Nicholas and Stephen, daughter Christina, and wife Jane said: "The James family will be continuing Mike's dream and pushing forward with more live shows, satellite broadcasts and current and old films. We will also still be involved with Borderlines and the Leominster festival.

"We will greatly miss him he has left a huge hole to fill, however with the love and support of family friends and the local community we will get through this terrible and devastating time.

"We will in due course let people know when his funeral will be so you can pay your respects and Chrisie hopes to sing as this was another one of his passions.

"We thank you all for your support and hope to make Mike and the community proud."