Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to popular Calne taxi driver Chris Turnbull.

Mr Turnbull, a driver for Calne Taxis, died on May 26 aged 67 after being admitted to Swindon’s Great Western Hospital three weeks earlier.

He had cancer of the liver, lungs and intestines.

Mr Turnbull, of The Lawns, Royal Wotton Bassett, lived in the area for more than 30 years. Before that he was in the RAF and then a chauffeur in London.

He worked for Appy Cars in Royal Wotton Bassett, and Easy’s Taxis in Chippenham, before moving to work for Calne Taxis six years ago.

Mr Turnbull’s funeral is on Monday at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon, at 10am and his hearse will be followed by a convoy of taxis.

He is survived by his wife Mona, who he married in the Philippines four years ago and three children from a previous marriage, Amy, Mark and Emma.

Ian Whitehouse, manager at Calne Taxis, said his employees were like family and Mr Turnbull would be missed.

Mr Whitehouse said: “He was very popular. He did a regular school run and he was very good with the kids. He used to drive a Citroen Picasso and it was known as the red pillar box on wheels by some customers.

“He was quite a humorous guy, he would come out with some great one-liners.

“We’ve had a lot of phone calls and messages and his customers have given us money towards a wreath. We’re going to get a red taxi wreath with his call sign on it.”

Caroline Johnson knew Mr Turnbull for 11 years.

She said: “He was a very good friend to me and my daughter. He was very private, but he did come out of his shell.”

Mr Turnbull was also a keen golfer and a member of The Harvester Golf Society.

Brian Walton, captain and treasurer of the society, said: “He went on many of our trips, including out trip to play golf near Omaha beach, and is also responsible for bringing in several new members over the years.

“Our days out in future will not be the same without hearing his soft Geordie tones and his keen sense of humour.”

Mr Turnbull’s sister Melita Joyce, from Newcastle, said: “He was a lovely brother and a happy person. He seems to be very popular down here.”