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.

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”.

Peter Kyere, a Primark staff member, remembered the 83-year-old as a lovely man who was always happy to talk: “He always brought a smile to our faces.”

For a full report, see tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser.