READERDS have paid tribute to a devoted grandad and well-respected boss of a garden centre.

Lou Charnley, who owned Charnley’s Garden Centre in Dalton, has died at the age of 73 after suffering a heart attack.

Lou grew up in Rawlinson Street, Dalton alongside his siblings Eleanor, Graham and the late Fred.

Raised by his grandparents Ellie and Lewi, and later his two uncles Jim and Pip, Lou’s upbringing helped him become a ‘generous, kind and hardworking’ man.

The Mail readers took to Facebook to share their well wishes:

Sharon Trembles said: "Very sad he had a brilliant dry sence of humour lovely man thoughts go to his family."

Therese Assouad said: "Always enjoyed a chat with him. RIP Lou."

Linda Lamont Crawford said: "A lovely man, always had time for a chat with you."

Lee Boardman said: "Sad to hear that Lou has passed, had the pleasure of working for Lou and Mark when it was Crooklands. He was a lovely feller and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Thoughts to all Lou's family and friends."

Sue Pattinson said: "Always a nice man. Rip lou."

Sue McFarlane said: "Sad news he was a lovely gentleman."

Mary Proctor said: "Our thoughts are with you all."

Pamela Carr said: "Very sad news, my thoughts are with the family. He was a gentleman."

Scott Robinson said: "Such a nice decent guy, I'm glad i got chance to catch up with him a couple weeks ago."

Heather Turnough said: "Very sad, he was a lovely man."

Brenda Jefferson said: "Thinking of you all."

Catherine Gibb said: "One of the good guys. R.I.P."

Jennifer Fenton said: "Such sad news he was such a great guy."