TRIBUTES have been paid to a man credited with first bringing the fun of karaoke to Redditch.

Having lived in Church Hill for almost 40 years Frank Robinson,aged 65, passed peacefully at home, from cancer, on- Thursday, May 29 with his wife of 43 years, Wendy, holding his hand.

Mr Robinson and his partner Phil brought the first karaoke to Redditch pubs in 1991. For more than 20 years he shared his love of singing with others and encouraged everyone around him to join in.

The Book and Candle was where he held his first gig, followed by The Kings Arms, The Railway, The Brockhill and The Duck Pond to name just a few.

Having worked at Rover for 27 years he took early retirement aged 50 giving him precious years to enjoy his family and their caravan holidays.

The funeral service for Mr Robinson will be held at Redditch Crematorium at 12.30pm on Monday, June 9.

Friend and neighbour Steve Creed said: "My wife and I used to follow Frank & Phil's Karaoke, no matter where they were. You were guaranteed a warm welcome from Frank and a brilliant night out, he will greatly missed. Kath and I send our deepest wishes to all the family."

Karaoke singer Elaine Sidebottom said: "After a long working week, it was Saturdays that I looked forward to and Frank's karaoke.

"We all came together like one big happy family. Frank was so uplifting, he couldn't do enough for anyone, he was a great host and a true gentleman."