SHOCKED and saddened villagers have called off their New Year festive get-together as a mark of respect for a key figure in the social life of their mid-Norfolk community who has died suddenly.

SHOCKED and saddened villagers have called off their New Year festive get-together as a mark of respect for a key figure in the social life of their mid-Norfolk community who has died suddenly.

Jon Harvey, who was 55, was known widely in farming circles across the county for the agricultural machinery business he ran from his home at Welborne.

And in his spare time he was an avid, active supporter and helper of the village hall, which has earned wide renown in recent years for its diversity of activities - including arts festivals and cinema screenings, summer barbecues and a new bottled beer festival last year - despite Welborne's small size and tiny population.

The hall organising team has postponed Welborne's New Year Supper, planned for tomorrow evening.

Tnis week, team members paid fond tribute to Mr Harvey, saying news of his sudden death last Friday had come as a shock.

It added that the integrity and high standards he set himself had contributed undoubtedly to the success of his business and the respect in which he was held.

Villager, friend and stalwart member of the hall team Trevor Curson said: 'He will probably be missed even more than people realise. Just about every event we've had, Jon has supported.'

Mr Harvey was also keenly involved with Dereham Farm Machinery Club, serving for a time as its chairman.

He leaves a widow, Ann, and children Tommy and Hannah, two stepsons and their three grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements will be confirmed later.