TRIBUTES have poured in for Haslemere Station newsagent Nick Hammonds, a familiar figure for so many rail users, who always enjoyed a chat.

His wife Chairmaine and their four children were overwhelmed by the support from loyal customers, after he died last month following a short illness.

Mrs Hammonds said: “We have been so touched by everyone’s kindness. I didn’t realise he had had such an effect on so many people.

“We received more than 200 letters of condolence and his funeral in Churt on June 28 was packed.

“My husband was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of cancer in April and died just seven weeks later.

“I’m pleased for him that he didn’t have to suffer for a long time, but it’s been quite a shock for us.

“I promised him I would keep the business going and myself and our son Edward, who is already well-known to our customers, Eleanor, Leona and Christopher, are all doing our bit.

“We are also doing the newspaper deliveries, which start at 4.30am.

“We were married for 26 years and met when I was 17 and we both lived in Churt.

“We have always lived in and around Haslemere. We used to deliver milk but when doorstep deliveries started to decline, we took over the newsagency 17 years ago.”