A SERIES of road closures will be in place in the centre of Runcorn tomorrow, Tuesday, for the funeral of a beloved local butcher.

Gary Shaw, of Shaw’s Butchers on Church Street, hung up his apron to retire in May after 35 years in the trade.

However, his devastated family informed loyal customers that he sadly passed away on May 15 after a long illness.

A social media post from his son Danny announcing the news received more than 1,200 comments from customers offering their best wishes to his family.

It read: “Gary had been ill for some time now, and I am now here to break the devastating news to you that Gary passed away at 10.30pm on May 15.

“He had all of his family around him in his final moments and passed away peacefully.

“My dad was an amazing dad, grandad, friend, butcher and overall wonderful person.”

His family have thanked everyone for the love and support they have received.

Gary’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 11, with his family encouraging people who knew him to pack the street out to give him a fitting send off.

At approximately 10.20am, Gary will be brought through the Old Town and will stop outside the butchers for a brief moment, before continuing to St Michael's Church on Greenway Road for a 10.45am service.

Gary's request was for everyone to wear a splash of purple to support epilepsy, which is close to his family's hearts.

Runcorn Police has also paid tribute to Gary and has announced road closures that will be in place on the day of his funeral.

A spokesman said: “On the morning of Tuesday, June 11, we will be implementing temporary road closures in Runcorn Old Town to allow the safe passage of the funeral cortege of the late Gary Shaw.

“Church Street will be closed to traffic from around 10am until the funeral has passed through at around 10.30am.

"Closures will be in place at the junction with Regent Street, King Street and by the bus station to ensure public safety for those that will be in the area to pay their respects as the cars pause outside Shaw's Butchers.

“Gary was a very prominent and well-loved figure in Runcorn, working in the Old Town for 35 years at the butchers shop which proudly bares his family name.

“A lesser known fact about Gary is that he was also previously a special constable for Cheshire Police, and he continued to maintain a strong community focused relationship with Runcorn Police long after he left the role.

“He will be greatly missed by many of us at Runcorn Police Station.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Shaw family on their loss. Rest in peace Gary.”