PADDY McGuinness has paid tribute to the musician Tom McGrath, who died earlier this week.

McGrath was the drummer from the popular comedy folk band The Lancashire Hotpots, and was better known by his stage name, Willie Eckerslike. The Lancashire Hotpots supported McGuinness on his recent stand-up tour.

Tom was “a true gent, funny man and talented musician,” McGuinness wrote via Twitter.

“I had the pleasure of working with the Hotpots on my last tour, great lads.”