TRIBUTES have been paid to "colourful character" Michael James, known as Old Mick, who was found dead on the doorstep of his Upshire home.

Mr James, 69, was discovered by milkman Dennis Bass as he started his rounds in Paternoster Close on Tuesday, February 10.

Mr James had lived in the same house all his life. He was one of the first pupils at Upshire primary school and went there during the war.

He did National Service in the Far East and always said he would never leave these shores again.

He worked on several local farms and retired finally from Aimes Green Farm in Galley Hill.

He made kites for a hobby and would fly five at a time on the hills at Breach Barns. He had a passion for jazz and used to attend the jazz nights at Waltham Abbey town hall.

Mr James became involved with the Parker family at Breach Barns Farm 11 years ago and would always accompany Alysoncorrect, Steven and their horses to horse trials and events across the country to "make sure they were all right," the family said.

He became a well known character at the events and would talk to anyone if they talked to him. He was particularly fond of Alyson's horses Micky Rabbit and Viking, and they in turn always recognised him for the Polo mints he gave them.

Alyson Parker said: "He was a gentle, kind and very colourful character. What he didn't know about the countryside wasn't worth knowing. His unusual appearance gained him recognition among many local people. He steadfastly refused to cut his hair and put up with the torments from local children, but those who knew him loved his kind and unique manner."

Mr James developed a lung tumour last January and his declined during the end of last year.

Mrs Parker said: "A recent chimney fire led to him having a massive clearout of his house and as a result of this and a course of steroids, he got a new lease of life and was looking forward to the spring."

She added: "We will all miss Mick very much but are thankful to have known him. They don't make them like him any more."

Mr Bass said Mr James had arranged a special 'alarm' system with his neighbours, that if he was in need of help he would go to the front door and sound a large football rattle.

"That's what one of the neighbours heard just before I found him," he said.

Mr James leaves one sister, Pat, who lives in Waltham Abbey.

His funeral is at Enfield Crematorium at 1.30pm on Monday February 23.