ONE of Rushden's well-known characters in the 1950s and 60s has died aged 85 on his way home from holiday.

Fred Hales kept the general store and newsagents in Wellingborough Road, Rushden, after the Second World War.

He was well-known for selling the Evening Telegraph and Pink-Un sports paper on the Rose and Crown corner in Rushden High Street for many years.

He kept the shop in Wellingborough Road with his wife, Jean, who died in October last year. He died suddenly on June 14 during a return coach journey from a holiday in Scotland.

The couple leave three daughters - Janet, Susan and Penny.

A funeral service for Mr Hales, of Elizabeth Close, Earls Barton, will be held at Kettering Crematorium on July 11 at 1.30pm.

The family has requested no flowers, but donations if desired may be made for Cynthia Spencer House, through A Abbott and Sons, funeral directors, of Bedford Road, Rushden.