A popular Norwich man known for his animal rights activism and love of punk music has died, aged 42.

David 'Syd' Syder - of Suffolk Square, Norwich - was one of 13 children.

He was well-known to frequent Cafe Bar Marzano at the Forum, was an animal rights activist and had aspired to be a writer.

Syd, who was an old-school horror film fanatic, also loved obscure metal and punk music which influenced his fashion.

A diabetic, Syd had kidney failure at the age of 28 in the years following was in and out of hospital with issues relating to both illnesses.

He died suddenly on January 18, aged 42.

Syd's daughter Ebony Rees, 24 said although her dad was a "hardcore vegan punk" she encouraged people not to let his appearance fool them.

She set up a fundraiser in Syd's memory to give him "the best send-off he deserves".

"He made me the person I am today," she said.

"He was so kind and gentle and I'm installing that in my parenting with my children.

"He did anything to support small businesses and was always wearing band tees or buying them from local people who made them.

"You'd never see him without his faux leather jacket and patches. They would be all over his bags and jumpers.

"He also had a sleeveless jean jacket covered in studs - I remember it being so heavy.

"He was one of those people you would walk past in the street and maybe not speak to them because of all his look with combat boots, but as soon as you would he was gentle as anything."

Best friend James 'Carrot' Goldsmith said of Syd: "He was loved by so many. I don't think words will ever do that feeling justice.

"He was always full of kindness, empathy, compassion, love and warmth as well as a story or an anecdote.

"He will be greatly missed but has left the grandest legacy behind of the many things he's taught and shown me as well as to many others.

"To me he was a hero and at the same time my best friend. It has been an honour and a privilege just to have known him."

Syd leaves behind his girlfriend Lisa, daughters Ebony and Storm and three grandchildren.