Family and friends of a man who died after a fire gutted his home today told of their sadness and shock at their loss.

Charles Walker, aged 80, died at Southend Hospital from suspected smoke inhalation after the blaze at his bungalow in High Street, Canvey.

The fire was discovered by two carers who were carrying out a routine visit to the disabled pensioner at around 6.40pm on Friday.

They tried in vain to rescue the Mr Walker before firefighters arrived and carried him unconscious from the flames.

Mr Walker's nephew and niece John and Sylvia Moss, of Southcote Crescent, Basildon, had been visiting their uncle just hours before the fire broke out.

Mr Moss said: "We're all devastated, it was a real shock.

"We used to come and see him three or four times a week, he had been disabled from the waist down for the last 15 years because of muscle wastage.

"We have very fond memories of him. Before his wife died two years ago I promised her we'd look after him.

"It was a tragic accident."