TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a brilliant young musician who died after he was in collision with a lorry.

Talented guitarist Lee Henville Cole, 29, of Prince of Wales Road, Weymouth, was a 'gentle, beautiful person' who became a popular character on the local live music circuit, his family said.

Lee was killed in a collision with a lorry while walking on the Weymouth bypass last week.

An inquest will be held later, while Lee's funeral will take place at the Weymouth crematorium tomorrow at 10.45am.

Despite sight problems, Lee's musical ability astounded his peers.

He was largely self-taught, was aided professionally by Ron Moggeridge of Rocket Studios, and is probably best known for his contribution to the Weymouth rock band Killing Moon, of which his older sister Sam Brian was the lead singer.

Lee's white-blond hair and pale skin also made him much in demand as a model and he was often whisked off to various locations in Britain and Europe for modelling jobs.

Some of his more exclusive assignments included an appearance in a pop video on MTV and as part of a multi-media exhibition at the Tate Gallery in London.

Lee grew up in Weymouth and studied at the town's college for A-levels and, later, a jazz diploma.

As an experienced guitarist he was able to turn his hand to a wide range of music and as a result joined many different bands and became a guitar teacher.

He also went to London to further his music career and made some of his own recordings.

In the last two years of his life Lee struggled with mental health problems but his family said he approached his illness with courage while continuing to challenge the rules of society.

Lee's dad Jeff and mum Val are devastated by Lee's untimely death but have been overwhelmed with messages of support.

Well-wishers have also laid flowers at the spot where Lee died.

Mr Cole said: "Lee was like no other person. He had such guts and we admired him for the stand he took despite his problems."

He added: "Lee got a lot of work as a model but he didn't care for it too much. His real passion was music. It wouldn't be unusual for him to teach a few guitar lessons then play three gigs in a night."

Lee's sister Sam, 33, said her brother had a quiet sense of humour and had many friends who loved him.

Julie Lewis, Lee's former music teacher and a close friend, said: "Lee was a very accepting person.

"He was also very intuitive and had an amazing feel for music.

"It's just so sad he is gone."