TRIBUTES have been paid to a businessman and freemason who died, aged 81.

Michael Hogg, of Bourne Road, Colchester, played a key role in Essex’s Freemason organisation for more than 20 years.

He became a senior officer with the Grand Lodge of Essex and set up new lodges around the county.

Along with his wife, he set up a horticultural equipment company called GSS Ltd, which was based in Spurgeon Street, Colchester before moving to bigger premises in Barrack Street.

His funeral will be held at St Botolph’s Church on August 21.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.