TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'very well liked' family man who swept the chimneys of Worcestershire for nearly 40 years.

Chimney sweep Michael Miles, who was born and lived in Drakes Broughton, died last weekend, aged 74.

For 38 years he ran his own business called Miles the Chimney Sweep, driving his trademark blue Morris Minor Traveller van to jobs in towns and villages across the county.

Now the long-standing business has been handed down to his grandson Shahid Miles, who continues the family tradition.

Mr Miles' daughter Debbie Ralston remembers her 'amazing' dad who always wore a white cap to work and would carry his loose change in a sock.

She said: "He was always very happy, always smiling and friendly. He was very, very well liked and also a very clean sweep. He was meticulous and thorough.

"As kids he used to let us go with him and we used to go and watch the brush coming out of the chimney.

"I'm really, really proud of his grandson [Shahid]. He has got a very similar nature to his grandad. We know that my dad's legacy will live on with Shahid."

Tradition says chimney sweeps bring newly weds good luck, and Mr Miles was often invited to weddings as the 'lucky sweep', even after he retired.

And the superstition connected to his profession certainly rang true in his personal life, as he enjoyed a long, happy marriage to Jean for more than half a century.

The couple had three daughters: Debbie, Pauline and Diane; five grandchildren: Shahid, Shibrana, Maleeka, Leyla and Danni; and two great-grandchildren: Sophia and Ariana.

Mrs Ralston added: "He had had a really lovely, full life out and about with Jean, living life to the full.

"He was amazing. He just lived for mum and us girls.

"We had had a lovely Christmas, he had seen the birth of the latest little great granddaughter, he really was enjoying life."

His funeral will be held on Monday, February 15, at 11.30am at Pershore Abbey and anyone is welcome to attend.