Friends of a Didcot power station worker who died following an incident outside a town pub have paid tribute to his "terrific sense of humour".

Contract worker Peter Bennett had been working in Didcot for three months as a labourer at Didcot power station.

Flowers outside the Wheatsheaf pub, Harwell Road, in memory of Peter BennettHis colleagues - with the boiler repair firm CBR Services - have described him as "a nice bloke with a terrific sense of humour".

Mr Bennett, 36, died following an incident outside the Wheatsheaf pub, Wantage Road, Didcot on Bank Holiday Monday.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, with head injuries shortly before midnight, but died the following morning.

Friend Steve Cheadle, who had been drinking with him at the Wheatsheaf on Monday evening, has described him as "a good mate".

Mr Cheadle said: "He was a good worker who had been been on contract jobs around the country at Doncaster, Barnsley and Newcastle. His last job before coming to Didcot was at Telford.

"Pete was a passionate Manchester United fan and a brilliant pool player."

On Tuesday, employees from CBR and other contract firms at the power station turned up at the pub to play homage to their colleague. Floral tributes were placed on the pub forecourt along with a pint of his favourite Fosters lager, a glass of brandy and coke and cigarettes.

The flowers and drinks were laid out across the centrefold of yesterday's Daily Star newspaper with pictures of his favourite topless pin-up model Jordan.

Mr Cheadle said workmates also emptied their pockets of change to go "towards paying for the best funeral he could have".

A former workmate, Carl Roberts, said: "Pete was a Manchester lad who loved his football. He was the funniest man in the world and he enjoyed a good drink."

Pub landlord Steve Coxhead was not available for comment although a member of his family said Mr Bennett was a regular customer and a "nice bloke".

Detectives, working from a special incident room at Didcot Police Station, are still piecing together the background of Mr Bennett who lodged in Queensway, Didcot.

His family have been informed including his elderly mother who lives in Flint, North Wales, and a brother who is in Benidorm, Spain.

Mr Bennett was married although it was unclear whether he was divorced or separated from his wife. He is believed to have children.

Insp Dave McCorkell, who is heading the investigation, has appealed for witnesses to the incident, which happened shortly after the pub closed.

Anyone with any information should call 01235 776000.

**Gavin Philip Hodgkinson, 24, of Glebe Road, Didcot, appeared before Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with the murder of Peter Bennett.