A BENCH has been unveiled for “a true gentleman” just across the road from his shop.

Bobby Marr, who ran a greengrocer and florist on Tranent’s Winton Place for nearly 50 years, passed away last July.

The 64-year-old was a familiar face to many in Tranent town centre, with hundreds attending his funeral.

Marion Hoggan was heavily involved in the fundraising for the bench for Mr Marr, who had colon cancer.

She said: “I did not manage the funeral due to work commitments and I felt that I wanted to do something for him. I came up with the idea of the bench and spoke to the family and they were quite keen on it.

“Myself and a couple of friends did a fundraising day at the Store Club on January 19.

“It was a sell-out – it sold out within a week of talking about it – and a lot of people did not get tickets.

“David Martin was the host and we had Derryn McKillop, Jim McCran, Donna Howe, Jack Robertson, Dean Jones and Mags Foster there.

“They all entertained us all day, free of charge, and gave up their precious time.”

In total, the event raised more than £1,300, with any money above the cost of the bench being donated to the oncology department at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

Mrs Hoggan described Mr Marr, who lived on the town’s Kennedy Crescent, as “very kind” and “a true gentleman” and said he always took an interest in the bowling exploits of her daughters Kim and Dee.

She thanked local businesses and shopkeepers for the donation of raffle prizes and cash donations for the fundraiser last month.

She also paid tribute to David Forrest and Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council for working alongside East Lothian Council to see the bench put in place.

Mr Forrest, chairman of the town’s community council, was also among those at the unveiling ceremony off the town’s High Street.

He said: “I remember Bobby Marr in his shop and I remember when his parents owned it. I was at school with Bobby’s older brother and Bobby was always a nice bloke, always friendly and always helpful.

“The shop has been part of Tranent for as long as I have been in Tranent.”

More than 50 people turned out off Tranent High Street at the war memorial on Tuesday afternoon for the unveiling of the bench.

Councillor Kenny McLeod, who lives in the town, was among those at the short ceremony, which took place on what would have been Mr Marr’s 65th birthday.

Mr McLeod was delighted with the event and felt it was a fitting gesture.

He said: “There was a big turnout of about 50 folk.”