ONE OF Wotton-under-Edge's most colourful characters with a quaint sense of attire - he always wore a skirt - has died.

Harold Wood, who is believed to be in his 70s, collapsed outside Wotton Co-op last Thursday. The cause of death is not known.

Mr Wood, who lived at Cranbourne, was born and educated in Kingswood before spending a number of years in hospital in Gloucester. He had a twin brother, George, and an older brother, William.

His remaining family is a sister-in-law, Ade Wood, and niece Sandra Kirby, both from Ormskirk, who will be present at the funeral.

The Rev Dr John May, vicar of Wotton, said: "Harold was just an amazing character around the town. I found that he just wandered into the church. I liked him and got on well with him. He started coming into church services, not just on Sunday, but everyday. I appreciated him and he was great asset to the town. He got to know a huge number of people and a lot of people were glad to see him about. He endeared himself to many of us over the years. He appreciated us as we were - he took us for what we were.

"He was very kind-hearted and generous to all sorts of people putting money in the church collection and when the Silver Band played Christmas carols."

Dr May added: "I expect there will be a lot of people at the funeral as he was a great character and we shall miss him enormously. I have asked the Silver Band and the town crier to be present."

Mr Wood's funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Wotton on Tuesday, January 18 (1.45pm) before cremation at Westerleigh.