Huge crowd gathers to remember Wolverhampton shopkeeper Raj Kumar

Mr Kumar, who died last Saturday, was much loved by the Ashmore Park community in Wolverhampton, where he had run his hardware store for more than 30 years.

Customers, fellow traders and friends descended on the estate's shopping precinct outside Ashmore Park Hardware at midday.

A short service was held, led by Rev Sam Leach of St Alban’s Church, who gave a eulogy. There was then a prayer, followed by a minute's silence and a period of applause.

Councillor Phil Bateman, who represents Wednesfield North, said: "I have been a councillor for 31 years and I have never seen anything quite like that. I am so proud of our community. There was a sea of people.

"This was really to celebrate Raj's life and the service he gave to the people of Ashmore Park and further afield.

"It was a sad day for his family but I know they were incredibly affected by the way in which Ashmore Park turned out to say goodbye to him.

"He was a man they obviously had a huge amount of respect for. Almost everyone locally has a tale to tell about Raj."

Mr Kumar died aged 52 after collapsing in his shop.

Around 300 floral tributes have been left outside the shop in Griffiths Drive and around 500 written tributes have been received by Rev Leach in the last four days.