FRIENDS and colleagues turned out in large numbers to say goodbye to much-loved Tesco cashier Andy Hughes.

Andy’s funeral took place this morning at Gloucester Crematorium and was followed by a wake in the Tesco staff room.

There were a number of moving speeches and some of his closer friends paid tribute to Andy’s life.

Kelly Timbrell said: “It’s very sad that Andy has gone but I will remember him fondly.

“Andy was the kind of guy who would help anyone out even if he did not know them.

“He would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it and he always saw the good in everything.

“Andy would stand up for what he believed him and although it might get him into trouble that’s why we loved him.

Another of Andy’s close friends Sam Rouge-Pledge said: “We counted Andy as family and he certainly saw us as family.

“He used to get on the bus from Gloucester for a four hour shift, even when he was ill. That’s shows how important life at Tesco was to him.”

Store Manager Martin Rose, made a short speech thanking everyone for attending and announced that Tesco will pay for a bench and plaque in Andy’s memory.

Pledges and donations are still being welcomed and will go towards a grave at France Lynch Church in Chalford where his parents are also buried.

Andy was brought up in Rosebery Terrace on Chalford Hill and also lived in the Uplands area of Stroud for many years.

He worked at the Stratford Road Tesco for 27 years, ever since it first opened.

He was a hugely popular member of staff and was heavily involved in a number of charities including BBC Children in Need and many friends and colleagues recalled him bathing in a tub of baked beans.

When he became ill Andy moved into sheltered accommodation in Stratford Road and then onto Gloucester.

Andy who was 55 at the time, passed away due to respiratory problems on Sunday, March 26.

Although Andy has no known family remaining he was extremely popular and former Labour MP David Drew attended the funeral.

Anyone who would like to pay tribute to Andy or get in touch can email Jacqui Beard on 3200@uk.tesco.com