A TOWN has paid tribute to a community benefactor, 26 years after his unexpected death.

Laker Close was officially named after local worthy Jim Laker on Tuesday on the Barratt Homes development in Wiveliscombe’s Elworthy Place.

Among the guests were Jim’s daughters Laura and Ele, who is chairman of the Jim Laker Fund, which was set up in 1997, the year after his sudden death.

Jim was the managing director of local brewery Exmoor Ales and inspiration behind WestFest, Wiveliscombe’s beer and music festival.

Friends and colleagues set up the Jim Laker Fund in his memory to support community organisations in need of help, offering small grants and interest-free loans.

The fund has raised more than £60,000 since its inception.