Tributes have been paid to a retired shopkeeper who died unexpectedly last week.

Cliff Hodges, 70, suffered a heart attack after cycling up to Hergest Ridge, near Kington, his family has said.

Cliff had traded in the town’s high street for more than 40 years and was a popular figure with many.

His family said he often said shoppers were more than customers, they became friends.

Born in Handsworth, Birmingham, his family relocated to Leominster in 1967 before starting to trade in Kington three years later.

He moved to the town and married Sally in 1974 and the pair went on to have two children, Sarah and Steve, and six grandchildren.

Sally said: “I know that moving to Kington and serving the community for over 40 years was his great joy. He was a true people person and always had time to have a laugh and a joke with everyone.”

The family initially sold general goods and over the years also sold hardware and clothing over the years.

Cliff Hodges Menswear finally closed in 2014 and Sally added her husband was proud the whole community welcomed them and continued to support them.

In retirement, Cliff and Sally continued to bring up their granddaughter Hollie, following the tragic death of their daughter Sarah.

In his spare time, Cliff was a keen rambler went for walks with his wife or friends.

Cycling was another of his hobbies and people would often see him in and around Kington on his bike.

His son Steve said: “My dad was proud to be part of the community of Kington and loved the town, and to have seen all the tributes paid to him this past week has been really moving.

“The common theme from the comments was, that he was a gentleman. We can’t disagree.”

The family hope a celebration of life service can be held at a later date.