Former school friends of a man who died from a brain haemorrhage aged just 38 are organising a reunion at his former local pub to be held in his memory.

Darren Tubby, a former Blyth Jex school pupil, died suddenly at his Norwich home after returning from work despite his wife Beverley's frantic efforts to revive him.

His death, on September 18, devastated his family who were inundated with messages of condolence from friends and work colleagues at Stevensons, on Roundtree Way, Norwich.

Mr Tubby, who lived with his wife and their golden retriever Lenny in Oak Lane, off Chartwell Road, Norwich, had helped organise a successful school reunion two years ago which was attended by more than 70 people.

Before his death he was looking at holding another reunion this year and fellow organisers Michelle Banner and Anna Engledow, formerly Anna Cane, have vowed to ensure next month's event still goes ahead in honour of their former school friend.

Mrs Banner, a mother-of-one from Thorpe Hamlet who went to school with Mr Tubby between 1984 and 1988, said the reunion will take place at the Heath House pub, Gertrude Road on Friday, December 3 from 8pm.

She said: 'Darren and I organised a school reunion two years ago and were trying to sort another one but he died. We thought we would still have the reunion in memory of him at his local pub so he would be there in spirit.

'His family are going to be there as well and his wife. It will be a nice send off for him.'

Mrs Banner, 39, who works in the clothing department at Sainsbury's Pound Lane store at Thorpe St Andrew, said she was shocked to find out about Mr Tubby's death.

She said: 'It was a big shock. It just didn't seem right – he was only 38. I kept seeing him after school. He worked with my brother at Stevensons. He was just a really good friend. So easy to talk to if you had any worried. He was cheeky and he was always laughing and joking.'

Mrs Engledow, 39, a mother-of-two from Bracon Ash who works as a teaching assistant at Mulbarton Junior School, sings at pubs and clubs and will be singing at the reunion.

She said: 'I know he was saying before he died he wanted another one which is why we've done it. I hope we get a good turn out.'

Mr Tubby had three sisters, Cheryl, Sue and Tracy, was an uncle to nine children and a great uncle to five children.

His mother Maureen, 75, who lives at Gertrude Road, off Sprowston Road, Norwich, with her husband Peter, 76, said her son was 'her world'.

For more details about the reunion call Michelle Banner on 07515105398.

Are you organising an event in memory of a loved one? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk