TRIBUTES have poured in to a popular Kidderminster hairdresser who worked in his family-owned salon for seven decades.

John Harper, owner of Harpers Hair Salon on Prospect Hill, died at home surrounded by family on Thursday (August 4), aged 83.

The married father-of-five had worked in the salon since he was 14 when it was owned by his dad John Harper.

John senior, known as 'Jack,' started the family business in 1934.

John only stopped working 12 weeks ago when he became too poorly to make the journey to the salon he loved after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Daughter Leeanne Harper said: "The salon meant everything to dad, it was his life.

"He put his heart and soul into it.

"He went in rain or shine - no matter how poorly he was - he was there."

She said John was the family's "King" and will be "missed so much" by family and customers - over a hundred of whom paid tribute on the salon's Facebook page.

One person said: "John always had time for you and enjoyed a good conversation, he will be sadly missed."

Another said: "R.I.P John brilliant boss and a truly genuine man, many fond memories of working for you."

One tribute read: "Heartbreaking… John was such a lovely man always smiling and a pillar to his family."

Leeanne and her brother Callum Harper, aged 24, are carrying on the salon, which they have been managing for a while since John took a step back.

John's younger brother James Harper, who he ran the salon alongside, retired a couple of months ago.

John leaves wife Vicky, aged 60, five children - four daughters and one son - and four grandsons - with one granddaughter on the way.

The funeral, on Monday August 22 at Stourport Crematorium, at 2.30pm, is open to all as the family wants to give John "the send off he deserves."

Flowers are welcome or a donation to a sponsored run John's daughter is doing to raise money for lung cancer.

The funeral directors is Hoskins family funeral service, Stourport on Severn. A wake will be held - details of which are to be confirmed.