A HEREFORDSHIRE shop and one of its customers have been thanked for their kind gesture at a local man's funeral.

Clive Ellis of Clingo Road, Leominster, sadly died in February. His family travelled from around the country to attend his funeral in March, but faced some difficulties on the day of the service.

Hereford Times: Clive Ellis (left) with his familyClive Ellis (left) with his family (Image: Stuart Marston)

Mr Ellis' cousin Stuart Marston said: "We would like to express our deep gratitude to the kind people of Leominster.

"Unfortunately on the morning of our cousin's funeral, which was at Kimbolton Church at 11.30am, our cars were blocked in, preventing us from driving to the church. And taxis were not available.

"The kind ladies at the local Spar went out of their way to ask strangers if they would be willing to give the three of us a lift to the church.

Hereford Times: Alex Downing, a Spar customer, and Carol Soden, a Spar employeeAlex Downing, a Spar customer, and Carol Soden, a Spar employee (Image: Rob Davies)

"A lady [Alex Downing, a Spar customer] volunteered to take us, which was especially brave as we are six-footers and were dressed like mafia.

"We made it in time for our cousin's funeral. Thank you, Leominster. It meant to much to us."

Mr Ellis, aged 63, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on February 10. A death notice for Mr Ellis placed in the Hereford Times said: "Clive Ellis died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Saturday, February 10, aged 63 years. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends."

At the funeral, donations were taken for Oxygen and Wellness Therapy Centre.
Hereford Times: Stuart Marston, and Bobby and Brian EvansStuart Marston, and Bobby and Brian Evans (Image: Stuart Marston)

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Leominster Spar said that Carol Soden, a shop assistant, and the shop's manager Sarah Branford helped to arrange a lift for Mr Marston and his cousins Bobby and Brian Evans, with Alex Downing kindly agreeing to take them to the church.

Adam Bailey, assistant manager at the Spar, said: "Three gentlemen had their car blocked in.

"Our manager rung around the local taxi firms and couldn't get anything but a customer, Alex Downing, was in the shop and offered them a lift."