A well-loved stamp dealer who ran a shop in Epsom for 33 years died last week after a long battle with leukemia.

John Marshall, 72, an avid stamp collector like his father, moved to Epsom in 1969 and achieved his dream of opening a stamp shop in 1972.

Mr Marshall started off with only a small stock and built up the Epsom Stamp Company, in Waterloo Road, from scratch.

Over the years, as his reputation for honesty and integrity grew, stamp collectors travelled from far and wide to benefit from his expertise.

His granddaughter, Jemma Wood, said that once an elderly couple came into the shop with a brown box to find out if its contents had any value.

Mr Marshall was astonished to discover three solid gold military medals inside and sent the couple to a specialist auction where they sold for several thousand pounds.

In time his business expanded to include medals, coins, postcards and other small collectables.

Mr Marshall had an interest in Second World War so displayed gas masks and wartime memorabilia in the shop window.

The shop won a shop window competition during the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

During his years in business Mr Marshall made many friends and could not walk around Epsom without stopping to talk to someone.

Mr Marshall retired and sold the business in 2005 but his love of collectables never faded.

In his later years he explored his love of dance, particular the Jive and Lindy Hop, while making friends at the tea dances at Bourne Hall in Ewell.

His son Matthew Marshall said: "I remember pretty much growing up with my Dad in the shop, and gratefully my life is now surrounded by wonderful memories.

"A great charismatic person, a superb and fair businessman, and above all else, a great Dad.

"He will be truly be missed by the family, and given his local celebrity status, most of Epsom."

Mr Marshall, who had suffered from leukemia for 22 years, died on Tuesday, March 19.

His funeral will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, April 10, at Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead.

Anyone who knew him is invited and Mr Marshall requested that they wear bright colours to the ceremony if possible.

For more information contact Longhurst funeral directors, Epsom.