'My life is easy thanks to Windrush sacrifices'

Dexter Stewart, better known as Papa D, said there were not many black people in Chelmsford when he was growing up

A reggae artist whose grandmother came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation said her sacrifice had made his life "easy".

More than 1,000 passengers from the Caribbean arrived on English shores when HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, in 1948.

Dexter Stewart, better known as Papa D, grew up in Chelmsford as a result and said it was important for descendents to remember what their elders did.

"They were the first ones, they didn't have it as easy as I did," he told BBC Essex.

Papa D said there were not many other black people in the area when he was growing up.

He added it was important to recognise the contributions made to society by the Windrush generation.

The HMT Empire Windrush brought the first West Indies immigrants to Britain in the 1950s

"They made the sacrifice so we could have it easy," Papa D said.

"I feel it's for me now to do the same, to pass on what I can do the youngsters."

Alongside his two brothers and a friend, Papa D started the reggae band Invasion in the 1980s.

It went on to win a battle of the bands competition held by Essex County Council, and would later feature on BBC Essex and Eastenders.

Papa D said the music helped the group to celebrate the Caribbean culture during their youth.

He added that Black History Month, marked throughout October, was another chance to commemorate history.

"It's good for the youngsters to know where they come from, their culture," the keyboardist said.

"I feel it’s important for me personally because it’s history and history needs to be told."