Tributes have been paid to one of the founding members of Teignmouth shanty group The Back Beach Boyz.

Bob Freshwater passed away peacefully at Rowcroft Hospital.

A talented songwriter, who painstakingly researched historical records to create his music, Bob was a prolific creator of locally-based songs.

In a Facebook post announcing Bob’s death, The Back Beach Boyz described him as a wise and diplomatic natural leader and ‘a beautiful soul who was loved by all who knew him’.

As well as creating music, Bob loved nature and kept cattle and sheep. The former headteacher was also a keen rugby fan and previously chaired Teignmouth Rugby Club.

The Back Beach Boyz were founded in February 2013. The maritime folk band was named after Teignmouth’s back beach and are well known for their charity fundraising and brightly coloured Hawaiian shirts.