Tributes have been paid to Grumbleweed Graham Walker, who has died of cancer at the age of 68.

Mr Walker made his name as the co-founder of the well-known comedy band and as an actor – but he was also a much loved figure in the village of Bramhope where he lived for many years and raised his family.

This week stars and local people paid tribute to the man described as “a comedy legend”.

Comedian Bobby Ball tweeted Graham Walker was "one of the best comics we have had".

Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in BBC soap EastEnders tweeted: “Sadly another comedy legend has passed away too soon.”

Comedian Jimmy Cricket described his death as a “sad day for British comedy”.

Despite the fame he enjoyed in his showbusiness life Graham Walker had a down to earth and approachable reputation in his home village.

Local councillor Clive Fox said: “Graham was a very well known village character, very approachable. He was always very cheerful and very much like the roles he played when he was with the Grumbleweeds.

“He was a supporter of the local school and if you needed someone to speak on an occasion or to attend a local event he was always willing to help. He never turned anyone down if he was around.”

“We are certainly going to miss him as a presence in the village. The news was met with great sadness and I am sure there will be very many people at his funeral.”

Mr Walker started as a double act with Robin Colvill, performing comic songs and impressions, and in 1962 formed the Grumbleweeds, which later became a five-piece.

The band appeared on TV talent shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces and hosted children’s show The Coal Hole Club on BBC1 and The Grumbleweeds Radio Show on Radio 2.

Following several line-up changes Mr Walker and Mr Colvill continued to perform as the Grumbleweeds, touring overseas and on long-haul cruises.

In 2010 they appeared in the Best of British Variety Tour at St George’s Hall, in Bradford.

Mr Walker was also an actor, appearing on Heartbeat and Coronation Street.