SHOPPERS applauded Swindon’s harmonica man as he made a final appearance in his former town centre busking spot.

Dozens packed Regent Street yesterday morning as the musician Michael Thomas Nelder’s harmonica-emblazoned coffin was driven from Primark to Kingsdown Crematorium. The popular busker died last month aged 83.

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And in a mark of respect that had some mourners in tears, Royal Wootton Bassett man Nigel Wood played lament Swanee River on the harmonica. The 73-year-old said of Michael: “I’ll remember him as a gentleman.”

Mourners paid tribute to Michael, known to generations of Swindonians as the town’s harmonica man.

Ana Kelly, who took the musician’s Kingsdown funeral, described him as having “sunshine in his smile”.

Ferdie de Oliveira, a family friend of Michael’s who set up an online fundraising page to help pay for funeral costs, said: “I would like to say thank you to Michael for everything. For the joy that you gave to people and thank you for your commitment to the town.”

Peter Kyere, a Primark staff member, remembered the 83-year-old as a lovely man who was always happy to talk: “He brought a smile to our faces.”Colleague Sue Gardner added: "We will miss him dearly."

Linda Law, 65, from Rodbourne, said: “He always looked happy and I think he was obviously very well loved by the town.”

Others remembered a man who brought joy to shoppers and often handed out brand-new harmonicas to children who showed an interest in the instrument.

Sandra Willmott, 58, from Old Town, said: "He was a lovely guy. Absolutely lovely. He was always friendly and didn't expect anything from anybody."

Walcot woman Caroline Watson, 56, added: "He seemed so happy-go-lucky. He was a lovely gentleman, entertaining the young and the old. He was always happy."

Born in Gloucestershire, much of Michael’s life remained a mystery. A private man, he lived in a small flat in Cirencester, where he kept his well-ordered collections of clocks, music and Second World War films.

Swindon Advertiser readers handed him a pride of the community award in 2013 and last year he was immortalised as a woollen doll in a Swindon Art Gallery exhibition of town icons.

He was sometimes joined on his busking jaunts to Swindon and other towns by PJ, the Staffordshire terrier he adopted. Celebrant Ana Kelly said Michael had been devastated when ill health and stints in hospital meant he was forced to give up the beloved dog.

Michael had been preparing to move to Swindon before his death on December 30, mourners were told.

Ms Kelly said: “Dignified, independent and proud to the end, was Michael.”