Tributes have been flooding in for a popular Bromsgrove dental technician and beekeeper.

John Lyall died last Wednesday, aged 71, following an operation to remove an aneurysm.

John, from Feckenham, was a well-known character in the town for most of his working life after setting up JS Lyall Denture Repairs, in Birmingham Road.

He became interested in dental mechanics during national service when he was posted to Malaya from 1951 to 1953. He later received full training at the dental department at the Bromsgrove General Hospital gaining a City and Guilds qualification as a dental technician.

John became a specialist in the alignment of children's teeth before starting the thriving business where he became known for his skills and rapport with customers.

In his spare time he was a keen golfer, boating enthusiast and vintage motorcycle renovator. For a number of years he was also a member of the Bromsgrove Lions Club.

For the past 20 years John's main love was collecting antique glass, porcelain and prints. He also began keeping bees as a part-time business, which at its height had 120 working hives producing up to three and a half tonnes of honey per year.

His sons, Simon and Stephen, said: "Above all dad will always be remembered as a kind generous man who was good to have a coffee or a beer with, had a good sense of humour and some good stories to tell."

John leaves behind a brother, Joe, and sister, Vanda, sons Simon and Stephen, daughter Jacqueline, and their mother, June and three grand children.