THE family of murdered Newport father Lemy Bullock are grieving again following the death of his step dad George.

George Bullock, a well-known and much-loved member of the Pill community, died on Sunday after a long battle with oesophagus and top stomach cancer.

Last night his family paid tribute to their "hero" who guided the family through a series of tragedies despite his illness.

Mr Bullock's wife Gwenda told the Argus George was left heartbroken by the death of his step-son, who was brutally murdered in a Pill bar in March 2005.

The family's devastation was compounded in September 2006 when George's nine-month-old grandson Nico died of a rare form of cancer.

The family moved to Devon shortly after Lemy's death.

Mr Bullock's daughter Jodie, 28, mother of tragic Nico, said: "He was a brilliant father. In my eyes he was a hero.

"I had the most magical childhood because of him. He was so brave and that is why I am going to be brave because that is what he wanted us to do."

Mr Bullock, who died aged 70, established the first Pill carnival in the 1970's and worked with local youngsters for years through the local youth club.

The community stalwart and wife Gwenda, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in March, helped many local people with a number of issues through their contacts with police and Newport Council.

Gwenda, 59, said: "He always tried to stay strong for everyone.

"He had a heart attack 15 years ago. But after Lemy's death he said to me 'my heart is broken again and I don't think it will ever mend.

"He was a wonderful man who did so much for a lot of people."

Mr Bullock was a father of five, grandfather of 14 and a greatgrandfather of 15. Two of his children, Debbie and Jason, died a number of years ago.