The funeral of one of Teddington's most colourful and well-loved characters, retired fishmonger Francis Burtenshaw, will take place next Tuesday (June 2).

Local residents who would like to pay their respects are encouraged to say farewell as his hearse passes through his beloved Teddington where he lived for his entire life.

The hearse will be departing from his former home in Udney Park Road at around 1.15pm and then will drive down Teddington High Street.

Mr Burtenshaw ran his family from its premises in Udney Park Road, having returned from India following the Second World War.

He was born during 1924 in the flat above his parent's fishmongers shop in High Street, Teddington, which had been established by his father Frank in 1922.

Francis met his wife Pamela in 1947 and they married in 1949, which continued for 50 years, during which they had two children, Sandra and Andrew, before Pamela passed away in 2000.

He served with the Gordon Highlanders around the country and later with the Intelligence Corp in New Delhi, India where he served for five years working up the ranks to become a sergeant.

There was always a collection box for The British Legion in the shop and after many years of raising money and selling poppies, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

He lived in Udney Park Road until he was 92 and then lived the last 3 years in a care home in Hampton before falling unwell and he passed away in hospital in May, aged 95.