PART of Firthmoor died this week, according to those who knew and loved a street artist who has lost his battle with cancer.

There has been an outpouring of grief for Jason ‘Mozer’ Morrison who died on Thursday, several years after first being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Tributes have poured in for the popular artist, who was a familiar face around the Firthmoor area of Darlington, where he lived for most of his life.

In the 1980s, Mozer’s colourful work adorned walls around the town, his vibrant style helping to brighten up dull streets.

He gave up his hobby after police seized his collection of paints and photographs but a cancer diagnosis saw him return to form in recent years, inspired by a desire to live life to the full again.

Mozer returned time and time again to the same wall on Burnside Road, where his last mural still appears, his take on the Cancer Research logo daubed during an awareness raising mission he completed while undergoing gruelling treatment.

His family say their loved one will be remembered for his colourful character and said if he had a final message for others, it would be to never take life for granted.

His aunt, Del Roberts, and mother Georgina Boyes, said he would be much missed and thanked his friends - including Mark, Bradley and Paul - for their support.

Ms Roberts added: “I grew up with him and we were always so close - he was a happy go lucky guy with a great sense of humour and Firthmoor meant a lot to him – he’d always want to be back there, wherever he was.

“He had so many friends and I don’t think he ever realised how loved he was.”

Ward councillor Kevin Nicholson, who yesterday laid flowers on behalf of the Firthmoor Community Centre, said Mozer had been part of the fabric of the estate, which would not be the same without him.

Cllr Nicholson added: “He was a big character and inspired so many people when he created his last mural, despite not being well at all – it sent a message of support and hope to so many.

“Jason will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him – he was part of the fabric and character of this community, someone with a zest for life, and now we’ve lost a bit of Firthmoor’s character.

“He will be missed by myself and everyone else who knew him.”

Details of Mr Morrison's funeral will be announced soon.