Tributes have poured in for Worcester mechanic and car dealer Bert Hemming who has died at the age of 78.

Bert John Hemming founded the BJH Motors business 44 years ago.

Born in November 1944, Mr Hemming had worked at the Colmore Depot in Worcester for 20 years before setting up his own business BJH Motors in 1979 along with two trainee mechanics - one of whom was his son Terry.

Their initial workshop was in Gregory Mill Street, but later moved to Sheriff Street.

Four years later he branched out into the motor trade, taking over and transforming the old Page's Garage at the bottom of Rainbow Hill into a modern car salesroom for new and used cars as well as a MOT test centre next door.

In 1996 the company expanded its service side with a move from Sheriff Street to a larger premises in Tolladine Road where they started to carry out class 7 MOTs.

By 1997 Mr Hemming's other two sons had joined the thriving company and its name was changed to BJH Motors & Sons - John heading up the sales side of the business and Mark joining Terry in the workshop.

Today BJH & Sons continue to trade from the same sites, and remains a family business with Mr Hemming's wife Jane and all three sons still very much involved.

As well as the salesroom and service centre in Rainbow Hill and the workshop in Tolladine Road, BJH has a second salesroom in Cranham Drive.

Since news of his death was announced, tributes have continued to pour in on the company's Facebook site.

Matt Warner said: "He was a true gent and will be missed so much by so many."

Signature Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Ltd said: "RIP Bert. Genuine loving and funny guy with a pure heart."

Jim Stevenson said: "Bert was a wonderful man, it was a pleasure every time we met or spoke and he will be sorely missed."

And Danni Greening added: "Rest in Peace Bert. A Careless gentleman who went above and beyond for everyone, thinking of all the Hemmings at this sad time. It's been a pleasure to have known him."

The funeral of Mr Hemming will take place on Thursday, June 29 at 1pm at Worcester Crematorium.