TRIBUTES have been paid to a Worcestershire man who died on Christmas Eve.

David Melling, aged 71, of Bevere, was described as having a funny sense of humour and a quirky character.

Originally from Liverpool, Mr Melling came to Worcester with his wife and children in 1981 moving into the beautiful but flood-prone Camp Cottage by the banks of the river Severn.

He ran a successful stock clearance business from Handsworth in Birmingham and was also well known in Worcester for his sales of stock.

Mr Melling was a local character, especially in the pubs he frequented in the Claines area such as the Vine, the New Inn, the Mug House and the Pope Iron.

He also rowed across the river to the Camp House Inn at Grimley and would keep landlords on their toes about the quality of their beer. He would infuriate the local pool players with his tactical style of play which often kept him on the table all night.

In his later life, Mr Melling’s time was spent tending the large riverside garden he loved which many people who have walked the banks of the Severn to the weir in Bevere would have passed by.

He leaves his wife Vivienne and children Tam, Richard and Philip as well as grandchildren Harrison, Bradley and Freya, who lovingly called him ‘Grumps’.

The couple spent a lot of their time during the last 15 years in their second home in Cyprus which gave them respite from rising waters in Worcester during winter.

Flooding claimed two of David’s beloved old Bentley cars.

He was an avid follower of sports, particularly Liverpool Football Club, and was a fan of Elvis Presley as well as being fortunate enough to see the Beatles in their early years performing around Liverpool.

He died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Christmas Eve having battled Alzheimer’s and a deteriorating respiratory condition for the last 12 months.

His family say tributes can be paid to him by visiting forevermissed.com/david-melling.

The funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium tomorrow at 1.30pm.

Family flowers are requested but donations can also be sent to the Alzheimer’s Society by visiting alzheimers. org.uk, or via funeral directors E J Gumery in 68-72 Ombersley Road, Worcester.