'Michael was a funny and generous man'

Friends and family have paid tribute to a popular member of a community group in Beverley.

Michael Wilson, 74, chair of the Beverly Leisure Group, died suddenly last week of a pulmonary embolism.

The pensioner, who lived in Beverley, played a key role in organising social and leisure activities for elderly residents in the town.

Members of the group have struggled to come to terms with the loss of their "dear friend and colleague".

Jeanette Jenkinson, of Beverley, said: "Michael was a very nice person, he was so friendly and generous.

"He was a very popular person with a lot of friends.

"The majority of our members are elderly and Mr Wilson played a key role in our activities which means so much for them and he will be sadly missed."

The Beverley Leisure Group was formed in January 2007 and organises activities such as tea dances, Tai Chi, indoor bowling, coffee mornings, trips out to the theatre and shopping outings.

Mr Wilson, a retired property manager, played the piano at tea dances held each Friday and helped transport elderly members of the group.

Mr Wilson's nephew Paul Rolland, who lives in Sussex, described his uncle as "always thinking of others".

He said: "He was somebody who would do anything for anyone.

"He would give people lifts and always make sure they were involved."