A Hersham man who died suddenly on Christmas Eve has been described as a “real gentleman”.

Chris Powell, 77, died from a heart attack outside Flowers and Things in The Green, Hersham, the florist he ran for over 30 years.

Mr Powell had been outside the shop that morning with a delivery van when he died.

Friend and current owner of Flower and Things, Donna Mills, said he “wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else”.

Mr Powell sold the shop to Miss Mills, a former employee, in 2007, but carried on working there six days a week.

Miss Mills said: “He was like a second dad to me. I've worked with him for 17 years now and I will miss him so, so much.

“He was a real gentleman and a true friend. He had a heart of gold and always had a story or joke to tell.”

Mr Powell set up Flower and Things in 1973 and was involved in the community in the Hersham and Walton areas, including being a member of the Rotary Club of Walton for more than 10 years.

He had a keen interest in wildlife and jazz and had recently returned from a trip to Spain, specifically to watch jazz bands.

Miss Mills said: “He was a massive part of the community. He loved jazz and loved wildlife. He fed birds and the odd fox in his garden - much to his wife’s disagreement.

“When he was working at the shop, he sometimes dropped elderly customers home if it was raining. He was a one off and will never be replaced. Memories of him will keep us laughing.”

Chris Powell is survived by his wife Carole, daughter Kirsten and a one-year-old grandson.

The funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church in Hersham, on Friday, January 14, at 1.30pm.