DOZENS of family, friends and fans of the Newt Beer and Music Festival paid tribute to organiser Frank Clegg at his funeral.

Mr Clegg, who organised the popular event, sadly passed away earlier this year, and his funeral was held today at Woodlands Castle in Ruishton near Taunton.

He was known by thousands of people not just through his work in organising the festival, but also as a magistrate and as a member of the Burnham Rotary Club. 

His death was announced on the festival's Facebook page on December 3, and since then tributes have poured in for him.

The statement says: "It is with very great sadness that we have to announce the death of Mr Frank Clegg.

"Frank was the cornerstone of the Newt Beer & Music Festival, tirelessly working all year round to make the event a success.

"He steered the event through good times and bad, even putting his own money in to the festival to keep it afloat when we had bad years.

"Most of all he will be remembered for the sheer enjoyment he brought to the festival.

"Frank loved his beer, the music and the many, many friends that descended on North Newton each summer to share his festival with him.

"He will be missed and 2017's festival will be a very different affair without him. But we will make sure that we use the opportunity to remember him and celebrate his life and his contribution to our community.

"If you get chance today, raise a glass of beer to the memory of Frank and join us all in shouting his favourite toast "Up Yer Bum!"

"Frank Clegg 1945 - 2016"

The organising committee has now set up a Just Giving page in celebration of Frank's life and funds raised will be donated to charities chosen by Frank's family. 

You can donate by clicking here.