TRIBUTES have been paid to a historian and author regarded as a “fountain of knowledge” on Benfleet’s history.

Norman Chisman, 94, died peacefully after a short illness.

He was president of Benfleet and District Historical Society for 12 years, a position he held until his death.

John Downer, of Hall Farm Road, South Benfleet, a family friend and current secretary of the society, said Mr Chisman was an authoritative source of information on Benfleet. Mr Downer said: “He was tremendously important to the community and the society. People went to him for advice. He was full of fun and always willing to help people. He will be sorely missed.” In his working life, Mr Chisman was a publicity officer for Havering and Basildon councils.

He moved to Canvey in 1934, before moving to Benfleet in 1945, and the town was to play a significant role in his life.

Mr Chisman wrote Bygone Benfleet in 1971, a book detailing the town’s history. Over the next 30 years, he hosted a series of exhibitions promoting the town.

In 2009, Mr Chisman received an award from Castle Point Council for his work as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.