A friend and former neighbour of ex Shotley Community Warden Matthew Clarke has set up a Just giving page to buy a commemorative waterfront bench.

Mr Clarke, died, aged 52, following battle with a form of brain cancer at his home town in Saskatchewan, Canada where he had lived for eight years and had carved out a new career as a Caterpillar heavy duty mechanic.

Scott Leeks has set up the page looking to raise £3,000 to cover the costs of a bench at Shotley Gate, overlooking the river to harwich and Felixstowe, after speaking with Matt's son Brereton Clarke.

"Matthew was well-known in the village," said Mr Leeks. "He was very hard working, always had a smile on his face and would always help anyone in need at the drop of a hat."

Matthew volunteered as the villages warden between 2008 to 2012, while running his own tree and gardening service company, before emigrating with his wife Annette and their family in August 2012 . He moved to Shotley after leaving the army as a staff sergeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (REME).

He was described by the parish council chairman in a reference as 'someone that would often go beyond the call of duty and was an excellent ambassador for the council'.

The former Hadleigh High school pupil worked at Caterpillar Kramer in Saskatoon for three years, before joining Finnings in 2015.

Nathan Krahn, a friend in Canada has set up a separate crowdfunder page for Matthew's family in Canada and said: "Matt was always happy and a wonderful person to be around. This is a very sad day for everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers.

Matthew was also popular with his neighbours, prompting Mr Leeks to set up the page. He said: "I know it is a big ask for people to donate in the current climate but I wouldn't ask if it wasn't for a good cause."

Donations can be made to the Matt Clarke remembrance bench fund here...

The family have requested any excess funds of Scott's fundraiser to be used within the Shotley community, to plant a tree(s).