STALWART fundraiser Frank Ashton has died just over a year after releasing his autobiography which showcased his years of charity work.

The 91-year-old, of Royal Wootton Bassett , was a popular face in the town and earned himself the nickname of the “Assett in Bassett” because of his tireless fundraising which saw him raise more than £500,000 for good causes, including Prospect Hospice .

Last year, he released his book entitled Poverty To Philanthropy, The Memoirs Of Frank Ashton’ with money from each book sold donated to the hospice.

The remaining books that he had not sold will be given out at his funeral on Monday, August 20.

Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor Mike Leighfield said: “Frank raised an awful lot of money for different charities including Prospect Hospice.

“I think he did an absolutely fantastic job for a chap of his age.”

“He thoroughly enjoyed his life and he was on the go all the time.

“Frank was a fantastic man and he was well known in the town – he will be sorely missed.”

Town councillor Chris Wannell said: “Frank was a great charity fundraiser and he did a lot of good for Prospect Hospice. I think his family should be proud of what he achieved.”

Frank ploughed 50 years of hard work into fundraising and when his wife Mary died of a heart attack in 2006 and friend Ann Skelton died in 2008, he dedicated his fundraising to their memory.

His fundraisers included flying a plane, completing a hot air balloon ride, raffles and numerous sponsored walks which he continued until the age of 89.

When he made the decision to hang up his fundraising hat, Frank said it was a sad day.

Speaking at the time, he said: “It has been a real pleasure for me to be able to contribute to the success of Prospect Hospice over the years, so I bow out with a sense that I’ve helped the care of patients in Royal Wootton Bassett and beyond.”

Sheryl Crouch, the head of fundraising at Prospect Hospice, said: “Everyone at Prospect Hospice is sad to hear Frank Ashton has died.

“Frank was extraordinarily committed to fundraising for Prospect Hospice, from his sponsored walk, through to his balloon ride, and even publishing his memoirs to raise money for us. He was passionate about the work of the hospice and dedicated to finding ways of supporting what we do.

“I know that many of us at the Hospice will feel, as I do, that with Frank dying, Prospect Hospice has lost a true supporter and a real friend.”

Frank’s funeral will be held at St Bartholomew’s Church, in Royal Wootton Bassett, on Monday followed by cremation at Kingsdown Crematorium. Family flowers only are requested but donations in lieu may be made to to Brookside Residential Home Residents’ Fund.