Shipston residents raise thousands for Walter's send off

Shipston character Walter Emms looks set to have a good send off with locals raising £3,440 to pay for his funeral so far.

Walter, who collected rubbish from Shipston residents in a hand-drawn cart for more than 30 years, died on 6 October at the age of 66.

A Just Giving page set up by his family, has so far raised £3,440 for his funeral, more than three times its original £1,000 target.

Walter’s sister Jackie said: “I think its brilliant how many people have donated to Walter’s funeral, I’m lost for words, I didn’t know he had so many friends.”

On Saturday Shipston Rugby Club paid its respects to Walter with a minute’s silence.

Walter’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 1 November at 2pm at St Edmunds Church in Shipston.

All are welcome to attend the service and the wake which follows at Shipston Rugby Club.