The sophisticated patter of one of the world's great tap dancers has been silenced.

Jimmy Clark, one half of the fabulous twinkle-toed Clark Brothers, has died in Dunstable. He was 87.

His brother Steve, 85, was at his bedside.

Tributes have poured in for the charismatic entertainer who delighted everyone from the King of Sweden to Al Capone.

King Rat Graham Cole of showbiz charity The Grand Order of Water Rats described the Clark Brothers as "the true greats of our profession."

Grief-stricken Steve recalled: "I knew him better than he knew himself. I knew his weaknesses as well as my own. I didn't drink or smoke and I tried to look after him. I haven't been able to sleep since he passed away and I don't even want to think what I'm going to do without him."

The funeral of James Maddison Clark will take place at 12.30pm on Tuesday, November 17, at Dunstable's Priory Church.

The family has asked for donations to the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund in lieu of flowers.

Donations can be sent c/o White Dove Funerals at 50, High Street South, Dunstable.