FRIENDS of a well-known actor on the amateur dramatics circuit have paid tribute to their "man of all seasons".

PADOS member Graham Dey (73) passed away last month in North Manchester General Hospital after being in a coma for six months.

The accomplished performer, who had been with PADOS for more than 40 years, never regained consciousness after collapsing on stage in January.

The father-of-four was rehearsing for the award-winning play "When We Are Married" when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Close friend and PADOS member Brian Seymour said: "Typically, Graham had just cracked a joke. I was directing him and he said "I know, I'm in the wrong place aren't I?" As I turned, he just hit the deck."

Mr Seymour added: "Graham was so full of life. He brought the sunshine into a room with him. He was a very talented singer and dancer and as he got older he did some serious plays. He was quite a star on the circuit."

Just before his death, but while he was in hospital, Mr Dey, who lived in Worsley with his devoted wife Veronica, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Manchester Musical Awards for his long-standing commitment to PADOS and his appearances with other local clubs.

From being a young man, Mr Dey, a retired security consultant, has appeared in scores of productions and some years ago won the Best Actor Award for "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum".

His proudest moment was when he was awarded an "Oscar" by the Manchester Evening News for his performance of MC in the musical "Cabaret".

More recently he featured as an extra in Coronation Street, in a television advert for AA home insurance and as an extra in the current ITV series Island At War, shown on Sunday evenings.

His wife Veronica said: "Graham was a man for all seasons. Acting was a real passion of his and he did all kinds of roles. He was larger than life and a generous performer, but quite a modest person. He was utterly charming but not superficial."

PADOS secretary Fred Plant said: "Graham was much-loved and will be greatly missed.

"His presence in a room was sufficient to make it a joyous occasion."

Mr Dey leaves a daughter Jo, sons Tim, Mike and Nicholas and a grandson Teddy.