FRIENDLY Steve Kerley, a well-known Poole character who frequently sat in his wheelchair chatting to people, has died at the age of 45.

He was often seen in Wimborne Road on sunny afternoons, talking and waving to people who went by.

John McBride, chief executive of the Borough of Poole, has paid tribute to the chairman of Oakdale Residents Community Association (ORCA).

"Steve was truly a good man and Poole, especially Oakdale, will miss him greatly," he said.

Steven James Kerley was born in Blandford Forum and joined the merchant navy in 1978, qualifying as an engineer and travelling the world.

He and Lesley Tilsed from Upton married in September 1987 but just two years later an accident on a beach in Barbados left him paralysed from the chest down.

With devoted support from Lesley, they moved to a bungalow in Oakdale and learned to conquer the disability.

He became assistant editor of the Swanage Railway News Magazine, was a director of Southern Locomotives Ltd and a shareholder of AFC Bournemouth.

With Lesley as secretary of ORCA, they organised group outings to London and Bath, and regularly went to organ recitals.

In January Steve was introduced to Molly the dog, a therapy he said was, "the best no money could buy".

He died peacefully at Poole Hospital after a short illness. More than 130 people, and Molly, paid tribute to him at his funeral service at Poole Crematorium.

His brother Dave said: "He had a wicked sense of humour, a dirty laugh and a big heart. I always wanted to be like him."

As well as his wife and brother, he is survived by his parents Queenie and Walt.

First published: August 26