HUNDREDS of tributes have been paid to a much-loved Widnes chip shop owner hailed ‘a true gentleman’.

Paul Pavlou, who ran a fish bar in Lower House Lane for almost 40 years, died suddenly on Thursday January 8.

The Greek Cypriot dad-of-three, from Farnworth, had just celebrated his 62nd birthday.

His family has been overwhelmed with messages from all over the world.

His daughter, Fedra, aged 37, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “He was just unbelievable. He made friends with everyone.

“He just loved looking after people. He wore his heart on his sleeve.

“Seeing the reaction of so many people has made us realise how much of a presence he had in this town. He was a bit of an institution in Widnes.”

Mr Pavlou came to England when he was 15.

He met his wife, Elizabeth, now aged 58, at school in Liverpool.

Fedra said: “They were married when she was 17 and he was 21.

“They moved to Widnes and bought the shop.

“He just loved it. Dad had a smile for everyone, no matter where they were from or how old they were.

“He was also a doting grandfather. His granddaughters were his breath of fresh air.”

His son-in-law, Sud Zapties who ran the shop with Paul, said: “This shop was like his baby. He was always checking that everything was right.”

Paul had a daughter, Gina, aged 39, son, Chris, aged 33 and granddaughters Aliki, aged 15, and Marianna, aged 8.

Anne Therese Conro posted: “He will be deeply missed, a true gentleman.”

Maria Cross said: “What a lovely gentle person. Taught me to make sure that all of the eyes were taken out of the potatoes before they were good enough.”

Gwen Evans said: “Always a smile and a warm welcome, lovely man.”

Pam Buckley posted: “Watched us all grow up. True gentleman, with the nicest warmest smile. Paul, lovely man. You were a legend.”

Andy Sellar said: “Paul was a smashin’ fella. He will be making God the best fish’n’chips he’s ever eaten.”

Paul’s funeral is at 11.30am on Monday, January 19, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Berkley Street, Liverpool L8 1XB,  followed by burial at Widnes Cemetery in Birchfield Road, Widnes WA8 9EE at 2pm.