A former Colchester surgeon, who was well-known to patients in the area, has died aged 82.

The family of Roland Jones, of London Road, Marks Tey, paid tribute to him today after he lost a long battle against illness earlier this week.

Mr Jones moved to Colchester after the Second World War, during which he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves and took part in the invasion of Sicily.

Daughter Debbie Lamont, of Lexden, said: "He used to talk about that with great pride."

His medical career was equally as prestigious starting with his training at St Thomas's Hospital in London and taking off when he was appointed a consultant in Colchester in 1952.

He then worked as a consultant at Notley, Clacton and Essex County Hospitals before his retirement.

Mr Jones had five children and 21 grandchildren, many of whom live abroad.

But 18 of them and all five of his children were reunited just two years ago for a huge celebration to mark Mr Jones 80th birthday.

Mr Jones was also a keen sportsman in his younger years.

The funeral will take place at Marks Tey Methodist Church on Friday, November 2.