COLOURFUL businessman Terry Purser, who was known for promoting Margate at every opportunity at home and abroad, has died at the age of 65.

Despite failing health in recent months Mr Purser - dubbed Mr Margate - continued to champion causes to promote the Kent seaside town.

Now his family say they would like to see a permanent memorial erected to highlight his devotion to the town he loved.

Mr Purser was admitted to the Queen Mother Hospital following a chest infection that worsened to pneumonia and he died last Monday.

One of his sons, George, 22, said: “He was relentless in his pursuit to tell the world about the virtues of the town and he was an ideas man who would readily pass on information that he felt would help make life a little better for others.

“He would write to Prime Ministers, Presidents and Royalty if he thought it would help. His legacy is that he put common sense before red tape. He believed so much could be accomplished that way."

Mr Purser ran his seaside business at the Arlington Arcade off the seafront for 30 years, first as the Sea Shell Shop and then later capitalising on popular culture trends, trading first as the Take That Shop, then the Spice Girls Shop and also as a centre for World Wrestling Federation goods.

Thanet council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel believes it would be an appropriate gesture if businesses got together and erected a permanent memorial to Mr Purser.

He commented: “He put so much effort into promoting Margate and loved the town. He ought to be remembered publicly.”

Cllr Iris Johnston said: “Terry was colourful and controversial but also a compassionate person who was passionate about Margate.

“If anyone deserved the title of Mr Margate, it was him. He was a fine man and his lovely family were very proud of him."

Frank Thorley, chairman of Margate Town Partnership, said: “Terry was a real character, dedicated to Margate. His heart was always with the town and his death is a sad loss. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”