TAXI firms in Devizes have joined forces to put a bench in memory of driver Ollie Fielding close to the town centre rank where he spent many hours.

Larger than life character Mr Fielding, whose real name was Raymond, died aged 76 in April and had continued working until a month before his death.

Other taxi drivers were determined to keep his memory alive and have gained support from both Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council to put the bench close to the taxi rank in St Johns Street.

Fellow driver Ian Moffatt said: "We have already collected money among ourselves but now we are asking our customers to contribute if they would like to. They can give donations to any drivers in the town or hand them in to taxi offices. We think it will cost about £1,000. Once we have raised the money the town council will supply and maintain it."

Mr Fielding's partner Valerie Webb is delighted with the initiative. She said: "It's so pleasing and comforting to realise how well Ollie, Ray to me, was thought of.

"Firstly by such a huge turnout at his funeral and now this honour approved by the councils.

"This tribute organised by his taxi colleagues in wishing to have a lasting reminder of the man himself on the taxi rank he worked from, of a seat for all to use is so thoughtful and greatly appreciated."

Mr Fielding set up his own firm Ollie's Taxis in 2003 and was well known in the town as a character. Taxi firms Ace, Adina, Astra, Cobra, Devizes, Wayne, JD, Adrians, M/C and Mario's are supporting the fund.

Mr Fielding's daughter Mandy Little speaking on behalf of his family said: "We think it is a lovely idea."

Wiltshire and town councillor Sue Evans has supported the effort of the drivers and other town councillors spoke of him affectionately when they discussed the siting of the bench.

Former mayor Sarah Bridewell said: "I often used Ollie. He was the person I trusted if I had the mayoral chain with me. I think this is a lovely gesture."

He left four children Glen, known as Benner, Gary, Michele and Mandy and had 11 great grandchildren including triplets Dean, Steven and Sean but Sean died as a baby from cot death. He also had eight great grandchildren.

He was a big believer in giving blood and donated 80 pints. He only stopped after suffering a heart attack and was told he could not continue to donate