TRIBUTES have been received for a much-loved Weymouth painter and musician who has died suddenly.

Trevor Lawrence, 67, was described by friends as one of Weymouth’s ‘characters’ who will be sorely missed.

London-born Mr Lawrence was an actor in his younger days with appearances in TV series such as Doctor Who – and he also became friends with rock star David Bowie after appearing in a film with him.

In Weymouth, where he had lived for 20 years, he was better known as a painter of mysterious and surreal scenes, as well as entertaining pub crowds on the piano, and keeping up a healthy swimming regime off Weymouth beach.

His paintings, which he produced in the early hours of the morning, commanded hefty price tags.

Mr Lawrence, who lived with his mother Joyce in Newberry Road, died peacefully in his sleep.

Martin Leighton, of the Leighton Art Gallery on the harbourside, which has been exhibiting Mr Lawrence’s work for the past five years, said his death had come as a shock.

He said: “He was in the gallery and was chuffed to bits that one of his paintings had gone for £1,800. The next day he was gone. It’s very sad, he was a real character.”

Mr Leighton added: “He had a few niggling complaints one gets in older age but there was no heart trouble as far as I know, his death came out of the blue. It was a complete surprise.

“He kept active and enjoyed life and knew many people. He played the piano and harmonica in the pubs, just had a jam when he felt like it, but he didn’t drink or smoke.

“He was easy going with a great sense of humour.”

Mr Leighton described Mr Lawrence’s acrylic on canvas paintings as ‘unique’.

He said: “You couldn’t fail to recognise one of Trevor’s works. No-one painted like him.

“His work had actually been growing in popularity.”

Mr Leighton said he has a collection of Mr Lawrence’s work still to sell which he expects to be snapped up quickly.

In the past Mr Lawrence’s work has been bought by celebrities including David Bowie, Jack Palance, Clive Owen and the late Claire Rayner.

In an interview with the Echo in 2010, Mr Lawrence said: “A lot of artists just do one type of scene, but all mine are different.

“I actually hate painting, but it is my wife. It doesn’t mind if I go off with other ‘mistresses’, such as my piano playing and swimming in the sea, but she always wants me to return to her at night.”

The funeral of Trevor Lawrence will be held at Weymouth Crematorium on Friday, July 20, at 1.45pm.