The heartbroken sister of a man killed during a golf trip has paid tribute to him.

Edward McDermott – known as Teddy – died on February 26 after being hit by a van in Thetford.

An inquest into the death of the 78-year-old, of Clayhall, has been opened and adjourned until August 5.

Mr McDermott’s sister Maureen, known as Fan, said: “Teddy was an elegant, happy man, always cracking jokes, enjoying his retirement on the golf course and his interests – Probus, travelling, gardening, jazz, and his beloved Arsenal Football Club. He was a brother I adored, and always will.”

She said he was born in Ballinasloe, Galway, to Bridget and Patrick, and excelled at school, becoming an altar boy at the Catholic Church.

He trained in the catering industry before serving in the Royal Air Force for three years.

On finishing his national service, he became a publican before later starting his own electrical business.

He leaves son Nicholas and wife Barbara, to whom Maureen said he was devoted.

Friends Joan and Jeffrey Green also said Mr McDermott would be “sorely missed”.

Mrs Green said: “Sadly we only had the pleasure of his friendship for a few years. He was a gentleman, kind and very thoughtful – he will be sorely missed.”