HORSEFAIR'S Mr Soul Man has lost his battle with cancer - at the age of 66.

Francis Terry Thomas - also known by many as Mr Tee - who owned of Mister Tee’s Rock Stop, in Blackwell Street, passed away surrounded by his close family yesterday (Tuesday May 30).

Following a battle with bowel and lung cancer, doctors discovered a mass on his spine which Mr Thomas underwent an 11-hour operation to try and remove.

Terry Hodges, who worked alongside Mr Thomas at Mister Tee's for many years, said: "He was a big part of Kidderminster and a big part of the town's music scene."

Mr Thomas opened Mister Tee's Rock Stop in Horsefair in 1978 and the shop will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the town next year.

As well as running the Horsefair collectors shop, he had been a DJ across the Midlands for many years.

Residents took to the "Horsefair and Proud" Facebook page to pay tribute to Mr Tee.

Jayne Nicholl said: "Such a lovely man. RIP Mr T."

Carolyn Walker said: "A big part of my teenage and early 20's and for all the fancy dress. Lovely man and a massive part of this town.

"He will be sadly missed. RIP Mr T."

Adrian Mark Sewell added: "Really sad to hear this news. Terry was a good friend of the Horsefair was instrumental in setting up Horsefair and Proud.

"It was him who got me interested in the Horsefair with his constant lobbying for its inclusion with town centre discussions. We will miss him greatly."