POPULAR Tesco cashier Andy Hughes, who died earlier this year, has left a wonderful legacy to a national firefighters charity.

This Christmas, a cheque for £1,152 was accepted by Chief Fire Officer for Gloucestershire Stewart Edgar on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Speaking after the cheque presentation at Stroud fire station, Mr Edgar said: “Andy was obviously a well-loved character.

“We’re indebted for this donation which will support firefighters who may need physical or emotional support.”

When much-loved Andy died earlier this year, colleagues from Stroud’s main Tesco store rallied to ensure that he was given the appropriate send off, despite having no known family.

But nine months after his funeral, Andy’s love of trucks, planes and trains has taken an unexpected turn with one final donation to a cause that was close to his heart.

Andy will be remembered for his dedicated service to Tesco and also his charity fundraising, especially for BBC Children in Need.

But despite being so well-known, no one knew if Andy, who had no siblings, had any relatives so after his death colleagues at Tesco launched an appeal through the SNJ for information.

Friend and colleague Kay Timbrell said: “Although we didn’t find any relatives Andy’s service was filled with people whose lives he had touched.

“Even the bridesmaid from his mum and dad’s wedding came.”

Donations from the service ensured that a bench could be purchased in Andy’s memory which was installed in the car park of the store where he worked for nearly 30 years.

But when Kay and her daughter Leah began to sort through Andy’s belongings they realised that he had a unit at Stroud Storage Centre which was packed with Airfix model kits and enamel paints.

They also discovered that his last wish was for everything to be sold in aid of the fire service charity.

It was sold at Stroud Auction Rooms, which waived its commission, and on eBay.

“Everyone came together to make Andy’s last wish come true,” said Leah.

“Something good came from Andy’s passion and we know that he’d be giggling with joy if he were here at the presentation.”

Leah also sold the enamel paint in aid of charities which Andy supported including the Teckels animal shelter, Fair Shares, Sue Ryder and Longfield.