TRIBUTES have been paid to Len Williams, one of the most recognisable faces on the city waterfront.

Mr Williams, known to many as the building manager of the Port of Liverpool building, was 70 when he passed away earlier this month after battling illness.

Colleagues say Mr Williams loved his job and never made plans to retire.

He took the job in the iconic building in 2000.

Prior to that, he had performed the same role in the Cunard Building.

Friends fondly recall how he once fulfilled his ambition to become the manager of all Three Graces on the Liverpool waterfront – even just for one day.

Five years ago, it was fixed for him to run the Liver Building for 24 hours to make his dream come true.

Sally O’Brien, joint chief executive of Downing, which owns the Port of Liverpool building, said: “Len became building manager just after we bought the building.

“He was instrumental in helping us turn it round and getting to know the building, and was heavily involved in the restoration work that has just been undertaken.”