TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who sold many people in Hereford their first ever television.

Stanley Austin, who died on February 1 aged 85, was known by many shoppers through his Kings Radio store in Widemarsh Street.

His father, Robert had set up the pioneering Radio Relay firm in Hereford in 1949, with branches in South Wales, providing a cable radio and rental service throughout the city.

And, after service with the RAF, Stan joined his father in the workplace before – in 1958 during the early days of television – establishing his own firm, Kings Radio selling and repairing television sets as well as radios.

A bachelor, Stan retired in 1982 and ownership of the business transferred to his niece Patricia Prosser, company secretary and service manager, the late Ken Clegg.

Stan played a major role in the business and social life of the city, especially in the main community service organisations, Lions Club and Rotary and was a Life Member of the Herefordshire Golf Club.

He was a keen skier and cyclist and remained active until five years ago when health problems resulted in the loss of both his legs.

Simon Swancott, of Lions Club, in a tribute to Stan said: “He will be remembered as one of the great city characters of his generation, jovial and generous in his support for his family, friends and the wider community.”

He is survived by his nieces, Patricia Prosser and Dorothy Green and their husbands Ivor and Duncan and Andrew Prosser, great nephew and Beverley Keswick, great niece.

The funeral is on Monday (February 12) at 3.45pm at Hereford Crematorium.