Mark Morris, one of the most familiar traders in Cheltenham for many years, has died from Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 51.

Mr Morris was a well-known figure in the town after running The Flower Man in the Promenade and High Street.

He was diagnosed with the condition last year.

The Flower Man business continues under different management posted on its Facebook page: "The whole team at The Flower Man are sending all of our love and support to Mark's family and friends.

"It has been our honour to work for such an inspirational man."

Former Cheltenham mayor Klara Sudbury paid tribute to Mr Morris on Twitter, saying: "A true Cheltenham legend. Rest well Mark, you will never ever be forgotten."

And Terry Howard, operations director of Cheltenham Guardians, tweeted: "This is terribly sad news & my thoughts are with Mark's friends & family. It's especially harsh when those taken from us should have had many years ahead of them."

Friends of Mr Morris launched an online fundraising campaign last week to place a plaque on a bench opposite The Flower Man stall in the Promenade.

The appeal, which had set a target of £1,300, has collected more than £2,500.