Herbert of Liverpool, a life lived to the full - tribute by Peter Grant

Herbert was known as the King of Bling. The Lord of the Blings. I had known this sparkling man for nearly three decades. He never changed. If anything he seemed to get younger.

Dapper, funny, kind and generous to a fault there won’t be another Herbert.

He simply was...Herbert of Liverpool.

A celebrity hairdresser who lived life to the full.

TV star (two ratings-winning series) and late-night radio star, panto actor and showman. He even dabbled with politics but hated the hypocrisy.

I once called him the ‘Liberace of Liverpool.’

He grinned his dazzling, white teeth smile, sipped champers and said, "No I am ME. Just me and my Blingdom – Merseyside.’’

When I heard that he was seriously ill. I was in two minds whether to see him. I wanted to wait till he got better.

But friends of his told me that wouldn’t be the case.

Herbert with staff from Whiston Hospital where he was a regular visitor cheering up patients and bringing gifts on Christmas Eve

So I went to the Marie Curie home in Woolton and had an audience with this witty, larger-than-life character.

The lost time I spoke to him, he had a room adorned with cards and a picture of himself with Abby Clancy on the wall, he talked about dancing with her soon.

The wonderful workers at the home loved him as did his staff at the Bling Building in Hanover Street – a place he called Herbert’s Head-Quarters.

Cathy Roberts, who wrote the best-selling play "Moggies the Mewsical’’ says Herbert inspired her and she named the cat hairdressing saloon in the show called "Furbert" after him.

Had he beaten cancer he would have appeared in the next run. He had a picture of Furbert by his bedside.

She said: "He was the cat’s whiskers. He had so much love inside of him and plenty left over for everyone else he met.

2012: Herbert switched on the Christmas lights at Amberley Close in Moreton where neighbours worked together to create a winter wonderland to raise cash for Claire House

"When he came to our opening night he was a VIP in the same league as Ken Dodd. He was unforgettable.’

"When we bring back Moggies to the stage we will dedicate the opening night to him and his legacy.’’

Herbert’s life-long pal Claire Sweeney broke down in a BBC Radio Merseyside interview on Thursday when she talked about the man who inspired her.

"Unique is the only word for him,’’ she said.

"The best friend you could ever have. He would share his insecurities with me - we would gab for ages.

"The last time I saw him in the hospice he was wearing a leopard skin bath robe and sunglasses and pixie-styled shoes.’’

Ricky Tomlinson told me his pal was a true celebrity.

"In every sense of the word. He always thought of others. But what a legacy he has left.’’

My own personal memory is attending one of his Queenie’s Christmas parties at the Adelphi Hotel on Christmas Day in memory of his beloved mum.

He reminded me of a cross between Santa and Willy Wonka. Charisma in abundance as he went from table to table introducing the celebrity cabaret featuring household names all in aid of people who otherwise would have spent Christmas alone.

I will never forget how he wanted me to publish my poetry book. Always encouraging me and trying to help all his friends and staff.

And those friends he had yet to meet.

I will remember so many things about him – his warmth, his optimistic nature and his "never say never" attitude.

Sadly brain tumours beat our Herbert in the end, but he didn’t go out without a fight.

Now he will be dancing with his beloved mum Queenie again.

Herbert of Liverpool lived a life worth living. I will miss him and his infectious optimism.

Peter Grant