Bryan Mathews, who was elected chairman of the newly-amalgamated north east Essex branch in 1990, died at his home in Clacton, aged 65.

Mr Mathews was first appointed to the bench in 1978, becoming chairman of the Tendring bench in 1998.

He was also a former Tendring district councillor, Clacton urban district councillor and at various times chairman of governors at St Clare's School, a governor of Holland Haven Primary School, Clacton County High School, Ogilvie School, and Leas School, Clacton.

Essex's longest-serving magistrate, Pandora Sarson, paid tribute to her colleague and friend.

"During his many years on the bench he gave so much to Clacton," she said.

"In his time as chairman he brought the whole bench together in a way I have never seen previously."

Mr Mathews, who was born in Ilford, did his National Service in the RAF between 1955-57.

He trained as a teacher of maths and physics at St Mary's College, where he met and got engaged to his wife, Paula. They married in 1960.

In 1959, Mr Mathews joined the Cardinal Wiseman School, Warwickshire, and became head of science.

It was six years later the family moved to Clacton, after Mr Mathews was persuaded by his father to manage a 2.5-acre caravan park, the Tower Park, Jaywick.

It had been bought by his father and business partner, and he was to manage it on a trial basis.

Within ten years, he had expanded the park to 43 acres, with about 25 of those developed.

In 1977, Greenacres, Harwich, was added to the business and in 1982 they took over Willows, in Walton.

Mr Mathews was a member of Clacton Rotary Club for 34 years and was president from 1979-1980.

He was also active in his trade association and held the posts of secretary, chairman and then director for ten years of the East Anglia branch of the British Holiday and Homes Parks Association.

He leaves four daughters, Catherine, Helen, Jennifer, and Philippa, a son, Richard, and eight grandchildren.

The funeral will be on Friday at Our Lady of Light Church, Clacton.