TRIBUTES have been paid to Bournemouth-based actor Barry Howard, best known for his role in 1980s sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, who has died aged 78.

His agent announced today that the star, who rose to fame playing a dance instructor in the BBC summer camp comedy, had been battling blood cancer.

Former children's television presenter Chris Jarvis became friends with Mr Howard after moving to Bournemouth in 2002 - and told the Daily Echo the world of show business had lost a "true gentleman".

"We had some great nights out in West Cliff, particularly when Su Pollard came along as well," said Mr Jarvis.

"I remember Barry telling me he had found happiness living by the seaside."

Mr Jarvis praised Mr Howard's "incredible talent", pointing to his pantomime performances in which he developed a critically acclaimed double-act with fellow sitcom actor John Inman as the ugly sisters.

"He was very generous with his advice, and had a lot of humility about the whole business and his role in it," said Mr Jarvis.

"I remember telling him that the biggest laughs in Hi-de-Hi! came from his scenes, even though they might not have been the longest, they were the bits that really gave it that extra edge.

"There were a lot of funny people in Hi-de-Hi!, but his humour made it all quite sophisticated – it made it work on a different level."

And Ian Goode, the former manager of the Pier Theatre and Manchester Hotel, told the Daily Echo he first met Mr Howard in the 1970s.

"He was just such a nice guy, someone who was hugely talented.

"He was quiet, very reserved and cared about people.

"It was always a pleasure to have a cup of tea and catch-up with him – he was the loveliest man - and he is a big loss for Bournemouth."