Norfolk character best known as the Sheringham road sweeper has died

A familiar face around Sheringham, local character Glyn Chestney has died aged 72.

Whether he was leading the carnival procession, sweeping the roads, or opening up a new extension to the town's health centre, Mr Chestney was a well-known character in north Norfolk.

He attended the Salvation Army in the town but was best known as the road sweeper.

His brother Derek Chestney said: 'He absolutely loved this. He could talk to people all day long. You very often saw Glyn's cart left in the road and traffic having to drive around it, while Glyn was in one of the shops talking.'

He also came alive for Sheringham carnival.

His brother said: 'One year the Salvation Army dressed him up and he led the band in the carnival. He had a staff that he could twirl around and throw in the air and catch. He took this all very seriously and loved it.

'It was the highlight of the carnival that year. Everyone was calling Glyn's name and this just spurred him on.'

His brother said Glyn had been living at Glenholme care home in Cromer for more than a decade, and he enjoyed visiting the same places every day. He said: 'The Crown and the Dunstable Arms and cafes in Sheringham where he would get a free coffee. In the evening he would go to the White Horse in Cromer and play pool or darts. He was made very welcome in all the places he visited.

'While at Glenholme, he went on holidays abroad. When I asked him if it was nice, he just said 'Cor, that was hot. I sit in the shade and done my word search games but I'm sure I enjoyed it'.'

Prior to moving to the care home, he lived in B&B accommodation in Sheringham.

The brothers' parents Eric and Phoebe Chestney ran a greengrocer's in Priory Road, Sheringham.

Mr Chestney attended Sheringham primary school until they realised he needed special tuition and he had to go to Sidestrand Hall school.

He died on October 17 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, two days after suffering a cardiac arrest.