A book of condolence for Alvin Stardust has opened at Mansfield Museum.

Cllr Kate Allsop, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Mansfield District Council, signed the book on behalf of the Council.

Alvin’s close friend of 55 years, Barry Steel, who helped to arrange the tribute, and Alvin’s PA and tour manager of 15 years Dave Harness were also among the first to pay tribute. A steady stream of visitors came to the Museum throughout the day to pay their respects.

The book of condolence will be at the museum’s reception desk from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, until 20 November.

The book will be presented to the star’s widow Julie Paton as a lasting tribute from the people of Mansfield.

Cllr Allsop said: “It is very sad. He was a lovely man who did so much for Mansfield Museum and the Palace Theatre over the years. The number of people who have already signed the book is testament to how well-loved and respected he was in Mansfield.”

Dave Harness runs the official online encyclopaedia alvinstardust.co.uk and is asking people to submit photos and memories they have of Alvin to the website so he can create a tribute page.

The glam rock icon, who died last week, had close links with the museum – lending the Leeming Street venue costumes for a special exhibition in 2009 and even playing an acoustic set for visitors.

He died on Thursday 23 October – the same day that the new Made in Mansfield exhibition featuring some of his earlier Shane Fenton performances opened at the museum.