A POPULAR hospital visitor who grew vegetables for the elderly has died.

Bob Andrews, 75, of Hemming Street, Kidderminster, had visited elderly and bed-bound patients at the town hospital since 1977.

The sprightly visitor used to give vegetables and run errands for old folk.

Former patients and friends will be able to pay their respects when a horse-drawn hearse travels through town tomorrow week.

Mr Andrews was featured in the Shuttle/Times & News two years ago when he was short-listed for an Unsung Hero award for community service.

He told how he left Bennett Street School at 13 to work on the canals and waterways.

After linking up with the Navy in 1946 he saw action in the Middle and Far East.

He said at the time: "I served with Lord Louis Mountbatten on the flagship HMS Meon, which was a great honour.

"I did not need to join the Navy having served my time as a Bevin Boy on the canals.

"Because of my knowledge of the waterways, I was helping to get cargoes in and out of the area in the blackouts."

A Royal British Legion standard bearer will lead the procession and Mr Andrews will be buried in his distinctive cap and cravat.

The funeral route on January 25 will be: Hemming Street, 10am, along Sutton Road for a service at St John the Baptist Church at 10.30am; onwards to Kidderminster Cemetery for burial at 11.15am.