PEOPLE in Alloa will have the chance to say their final goodbyes to a well-know local man as his coffin passes through the town.

A true character and a feature of the town for many decades, Norman Alexander sadly passed away on Friday, June 5, at the age of 90.

Born in the area of Turiff in Aberdeenshire, Norman moved to Alloa in 1959 to take up a post at the Co-op.

Many will remember him from the ironmongers on Mill Street and he was witness to three decades of changes at the business.

His son Graham Alexander told the Advertiser: "Over the years he got to know a lot of people around the town.

"He basically seemed to know [everyone], he went down the town, there would always be people saying hi to him.

"A lot people remember him from the Co-op days, he was a larger than life character really, he did have his moments."

Due to current lockdown restrictions, only a limited number of people will be able to attend the funeral service at Falkirk Crematorium today (Thursday, June 18)

However, to give people a chance to say goodbye, there are plans to drive his coffin through Alloa.

It is understood Norman will set off on his final journey at around 1.50pm from the Co-op funeral parlour on Sunnyside Road.

Showing just how well-known Norman was, a post announcing his passing on the Alloa Legends Facebook page drew nearly 100 comments from people who knew him.

A range of locals expressed feelings of loss when seeing the announcement, saying he was a "lovely man", "a great guy" and a "gentleman".

In a tribute, local man Martin Cook wrote: "Sorry we've lost Norman. A true gentleman through and through.

"Heartfelt thoughts to all his family."

Murdoch McGregor, a community stalwart well-know for formerly being the voice of Alloa Half Marathon, wrote: "Just loved meeting Norman, even though it was just for a couple of minutes' blether.

"I knew when we parted I would always be feeling happier for it. Lovely man."

Norman passed away at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre following a period of illness.

The nurses will remember him as a "lovely man" according to son Graham who highlighted how his father never lost his sense of humour.

He was a faithful husband to Ann until her passing in 2008 and whom he married in 1954.

Norman is survived by son Graham as well as his grandson George.