'YOUNG at heart' musician David Rhodes has lost his battle with bowel cancer aged 34.

The children's entertainer worked for the Kiddleydivey group, based in Chalfont-St-Giles, for the last 11 years.

His employer said he gave a “sense of fun” and “boundless energy” to parties in Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and beyond.

He lived in Chalfont-St-Giles and is a former performing arts student at Amersham and Wycombe College.

He died on Saturday at Pine Lodge Hospice in Windsor after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in July last year.

Sally Murphy, who owns Kiddleydivey, said: “He had been ill for a long time previous to that but was still working for us.

“He was one of those people who wouldn't stop and he even did a party for me just before Christmas. He didn't like to let people down.”

“He was an absolutely excellent entertainer. It's a huge blow for us because finding someone like David will be impossible.”

Mr Rhodes was not married and did not have children, she said. His mother and brother live near Middlesborough.

He was the driving force behind four children's CDs designed to "encourage hundreds of children to love music as much as he did".

David was also a familiar figure on the Buckinghamshire live music scene, appearing both solo and with bands (see link below to watch him performing).

Before Mr Rhodes died he requested that Kiddleydivey hold two charity parties to raise money for the Macmillan Nurses who were with him throughout his illness.

These parties are being held in the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre on March 27. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. For more details call 01494 870390. Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.