MEMBERS of Wootton Bassett's Clarendon Players have paid tribute to comedian, pop star and actor Dave King who died recently.

Mr King, who appeared as Clifford Duckworth in Coronation Street, became president of Clarendon Players when he moved to Wootton Bassett.

"He was quite enthusiastic and offered a lot of useful advice when he came along to our rehearsals," said Roy Jamieson, of the Players.

"On one occasion he had been in Manchester, filming Coronation Street, and came back through pouring rain to be with us. He arrived at the Memorial Hall and then apologised to us for being late."

"He quoted some of the people he had acted with, and he was a good mimic. At one performance, we asked him to present a prize to a member of the audience, and he agreed at once.

"On the opening night of a play he ordered lots of gateaux for the cast."

Doreen Hewer, who was chairman of the Players at that time, said:"He brought along wine for us, as well. He was absolutely charming and was very good to the Players. He even offered to direct a play and was keen to do so but then he got really busy with Coronation Street, and was also editing plays for America, so time just ran out.

"He made everybody laugh. He was a great character and was very supportive. He had lots of interesting stories about people he knew, and he had once shared a flat with Sean Connery.

"I believe his health failed after he was widowed. We were so sorry we didn't realise he had died until after the funeral."