TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the sudden death of local club 'legend' James Bronson.

The popular figure, director of the Relaxed Pub Company which includes The Dancing Moose in Poole and The Dancing Jug in Bournemouth, is understood to have suffered a heart attack while on holiday in Spain. He was 49.

Part of the entertainment scene in the area for decades, he was involved in some of its biggest clubs including The Venue, the Zoo and Cage, The Opera House and Klute, as they were then known.

Adrian Forte, his business partner at The Dancing Duck in Westbourne, said: "Everybody is just in shock. It's hard to put into words. He was a man who lived life to the full. He was so well known in the town and had a lot of friends. I think a lot of people like myself, are totally devastated."

James, who lived in Bournemouth, began his career as a teenager working for Richard Carr’s Allied Leisure venture, first in fast food, then the Megabowl division, and finally the nightclub division where he was a local area manager responsible for The Venue at Tower Park and the Zoo and Cage nightclub in Bournemouth.

He worked with Richard Carr again at Slam in Bournemouth, and The Opera House, and later branched out alone, opening Klute in Bournemouth 2001.

Richard Carr said it was "a terribly sad day" adding: "He was only 49 years old. He was just getting back on his feet business wise - it's very cruel."

He described his friend as "the life and soul of any social gathering" and "larger than life," adding: "He was a good guy, a fair guy, and he was hard working.

"He had a good concept going with the Dancing brand, and he was just about to take on a bar in Bournemouth at the top of Old Christchurch Road which would have been the third venue. He was only talking to me about it the other day. I told him he had something working well - keep at it, keep going.

"Everybody liked James. He was a good social animal - that was his great strength. I think when he owned Klute a lot of people went there to be with James. Everybody knew when he was around it would be a great event, with great entertainment."

He said he would "truly miss" his friend.

Friends waking up to the news on Sunday morning took to Facebook and Twitter to pay tribute the man they describe as “Mr Bournemouth” and “one of Bournemouth’s finest.”

Craig Webb posting on Twitter: called him "a true Bournemouth club man and businessman," adding: "You will be missed. Thanks for all the great events whilst I was growing up."

DJ Brandon Block is among those posting tributes.

He wrote: "I know he will be looking down with a smile. "Eastcote, Bournemouth massive. RIP James P Bronson. Safe journey my old friend......I can't actually believe it."

William Henry,emailed to say: "Jimmy you were my brother, my friend and even my best man. You gave me my nickname  and we both know why. So many stories and memories mate.

"But you took care of my son's maternity costs when I needed it bro. And you will live on in your Godson Danny. To the whole Bronson  family, you know what he meant to me and so many others.

"We were blessed. I loved him and he was a true original. RIP Jimmy The Whale. Your Brother Williamaire xxx"

On the Echo's Facebook page dozens of people are posting their own messages.

Natalie Varney wrote: "So shocked to hear this. Worked with James on a number of occasions in the past and he was nothing but lovely, sweet and a genuine guy. RIP xx thoughts with James family and friends xx"

And Sara Orford wrote: "In shock!!! An amazzzzing guy, true gent! Privilege to know you bud. Happy memories working with you at various BIC events, guaranteed lots of laffs. Partee on in heaven!! All my love to your dear family at this horrendous time. God bless x"

Steve Larcombe said: "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long - and you have burned so very very brightly James P Bronson my friend - R.I.P. - Condolences to Family and Friends :-( so very honoured to have known you :-)"