Tributes have been paid to a popular grave digger who who was found dead at Hill Road Cemetery earlier this week.

Paul Fletcher was a well known character in Penwortham and his death has saddened the community.

Regulars at Paul’s local pub The Barrel and Bean raised a glass to him on Wednesday evening.

Owners Ken and Rhonda Masterson, paid tribute to Paul, saying: “We are still in shock of the Passing of Paul Fletcher.

“He was the most caring and funny guy with a heart of gold.

“He been coming in the Barrel and Bean since we opened our doors in March having a few pints most days.

“Buddy came along too for his daily ice creams or pork scratchings.  

“If anyone wanted Paul you would always find him in the B&B he loved it he would spend time meeting friends and chatting with staff, having good banter.

“He has left a big hole in Penwortham and will be missed by so many.

“Our hearts go out to his family at his sad time, We will miss you RIP Paul TRUE GENT the Barrel and Bean.”

The father-of-three tended to the cemetery on behalf of Penwortham Town Council, who said “Paul was a very dear friend to us and many people in Penwortham and will be greatly missed by us all.

“We would like to express our sincere sympathy to his parents, John and Jacqueline, brothers Wayne and John Lloyd and sons Tom, Logan and Jaxon. Penwortham and Hill Road Cemetery, where he worked, won’t be the same without his smiling face and warm personality.

“May he rest in peace.”

Pristine Car Wash, in Leyland Road, is holding a raffle for Lancashire Mind in Paul’s memory.

They said: “In memory of our dear friend @Paul Fletcher will be fundraising for Lancashire Mind which Paul’s family are happy with the chosen charity.

“Raffle tickets will be on sale from tomorrow at Pristine Car Wash, £1 a strip.

“We have some amazing prizes from local businesses who also thought a lot of Paul.

“We will publish the raffle prize list next week as businesses are still contacting us with their donations.

“As September is suicide awareness month we will run until the end of the month and do a live draw at the start of October.”

If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle, contact Pristine Car Wash.

Alternatively, you can donate to the Just Giving page.

Did you know Paul? Leave your tribute below.