The sister-in-law of an award-winning road sweeper has paid loving tribute to a dedicated community-minded man who served Kingston for nearly 50 years.

Michael Mellor died after a battle with oesophageal cancer Kingston Hospital at the beginning of the January aged 62.

Mr Mellor, born in Haycroft Road, Chessington, left school aged 14 to start work on Kingston Market Place before joining the council.

During his working life Mr Mellor received many awards for his commitment to Kingston including London Street Cleaner of the Year and award for outstanding service to the royal borough.

Mr Mellor’s was featured in the Surrey Comet several times in his career, most famously when he brought garden shears to prune residents’ overhanging hedges when flooding stopped him sweeping the streets.

He was presented with a service award by road sweeping firm Veolia following 44 years of service to Kingston.

Mr Mellor worked long hours, but enjoyed going on holidays to Butlins with his girlfriend Jennifer and watching his favourite TV programme Eastenders.

His sister-in-law Val Mellor has described him as a hard working and caring man who loved chatting to people.

She said: “Michael was very well known around Tolworth and Kingston where he worked as he loved chatting to people and shopkeepers when he worked.

“We shall all miss Michael and his ability to be positive, even when things weren't looking that great, he would always have a smile on his face.

“Michael never complained. He had a lot of discomfort during his illness but never once did he moan about it he just got on with life as it was and this is a testament to his courage.”

Michael's funeral will be held at Kingston Crematorium on January 17 at 11am.

Did you know Mr Mellor? Leave a tribute below or email Tom Barnes at tbarnes@london.newsquest.co.uk