TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Hampstead Heath worker, who passed away last week.

Eddie Carey, 57, worked as a groundsman on the open space for more than 36 years and colleagues have told the New Journal how dedicated he was to his work.

One colleague, who did not want to be named, said: “Eddie loved the Heath, and knew it so well. He was a lovely colleague, solid and hard-working – a quiet, private man and we’ll miss him.”

Members of the Highgate Harriers running club, based at the Parliament Hill Fields running track, also posted online tributes to him. They described him as a first-rate groundsman “who was always around to help out”.

Mr Carey’s funeral will be held on May 2 at 1.15pm at Islington Crematorium, 278 High Road, East Finchley.