A popular shopkeeper who ran a newsagents for more than 30 years has died.

John Glover, 75, owned South Willesborough News on the corner of Gladstone Road.

He was a father to two children and two step-children but passed away last Thursday.

His family and friends - who refer to themselves as the 'ladies of Glovers News' - have paid tribute to him.

They said: "John was a well known character of South Willesborough and his death is very much the end of an era.

"He had a wry sense of humour which he excused by saying he was a Northerner, he loved a good joke and was a terrible teaser.

"John had a good sense of fun and very much enjoyed the banter and insult trading over the years."

Mr Glover ran the shop with his friend, Cass, who was already working at the shop when he took it over.

The family added: "Over the years, as well as working at the shop, John and Cass became good friends.

"They often went dancing and John really enjoyed country and western music and was surprisingly light on his feet.

"They had many adventures and holidays over the years and some real fun."

Mr Glover lived behind the shop, which closed down on Saturday.

The family added: "South Willesborough News has seen the good, the bad and, at times, the ugly but was always supported by the local baker Davis Bakers and High Halden Dairy.

"John really was aware of old folk who relied on the corner shop, he loved that the shop was a hub for local news and a real part of the community.

"It was one of the last old fashioned independent shops and still sold penny sweets to generations of families, right up until the last day of trading.

"We really thank the loyal customers of South Willesborough News and we would wish them all the very best."

Details of Mr Glover's funeral will be released shortly, but the family has asked for donations to Cancer Research UK instead of flowers.