A MUCH-LOVED children’s entertainer, known to many as Uncle Bryan, has died.

Family man Bryan Tucker, aged 68, died on November 27 after a short illness.

Bryan was born in Portishead, the second son of Robert and Mildred Tucker. He married Rosemary Hill in 1969 and the couple moved to Walton-in-Gordano.

Bryan was an electrician by trade but in 1979 his career took a big change when he combined his lifelong interest in marionette puppets to start entertainment business B.N. Promotions - and Uncle Bryan was born.

In his 30-year career, Bryan entertained hundreds of people with his puppets and discos, ably assisted by his four children Emma, Neil, Shaun and Amy. In his latter years he also took on the responsibility of estate manager for Miles Estates in Walton-in-Gordano. Bryan had 11 grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud.

Eldest daughter Emma said: “He was a good, genuine and generous man and we were all very proud to call him our dad.”

Bryan’s funeral is at 2pm on Friday at St Paul’s Church, Walton-in-Gordano. Family flowers only are requested but donations are invited in Bryan’s memory to Walton-in-Gordano Social Club for village projects. The family has asked those attending not to wear all black.