A proud Welshpool man who was well-known for his stall selling tools outside the Town Hall has passed away, and will be remembered as a man who loved life; his town, his job and his family.

James William Simister, who was also known as Jim or Jimmy, passed away aged 85 last Friday, October 19.

"Everybody knew him. He loved Welshpool and he loved everything about it," said his granddaughter Josie.

"He was known to be a gentleman, he was always polite," she said.

The general and market salesman loved his job, and had a stall in the town for 25 years. He loved old fashioned tools, which he collected and sold, and was also known for selling Christmas trees and mistletoe in the winter months. He loved his job so much that he continued to work until he was 84 alongside his daughter Vicky; and said that doing so kept him young.

"Not many people say they really love their work but he did. He was very proud to be self-employed," Vicky said.

Mr Simister is survived by his six children, Angela, Bert, Pearl, Boo,Vicky and April, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His late wife was Mrs Sheila Simister, who died around 20 years ago.

Details of Mr Sinister's funeral service are to be released at a later date.