THE family of a popular mechanic have paid tribute to him after he lost a battle with throat cancer.

Paul Mitchell, better known as Mitch, who owned Mitchy Motors, in Nightingale Lane, South Marston, was 48 when he died at his home last Monday surrounded by his family, including partner Lisa and their two children Alex, 14, and 21-year-old Jo.

He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in December last year and underwent four cycles of chemotherapy but last month found it had been unsuccessful.

Lisa Haine, 40, his partner of 17 years, said he was a popular character in the village and would be missed by many.

She said: “He was the kindest person – he would always help anybody.

“I’ve heard people call him Mr Marston and he was always helping the school and people in the village. He will be sorely missed.

“He was positive until the last moment and even the Saturday before he died he was up at the garage.

“As soon as we were told we went on holiday to Fuerteventura, which was like a second home to him.

“He wanted to spend time with us and see us having a laugh but he was going downhill while we were there.

“On the day we were all sat around him in his chair and were comforting him.

“He wanted to know the Manchester United score because he was a big fan.”

Kevin Mitchell, 44, one of Mitch’s five siblings, said his brother had built his business from scratch, turning a former grain store into a working garage in 2001.

He said: “He had dreamed of running his own business and built it up from nothing. He was always building things.

“We all looked up to him and he was a big brother to everybody. He always helped us when we needed it.”

The family are holding a celebration of his life next Tuesday and have planned a special send-off, taking his coffin to the church on the back of one of his customised pick-up trucks.

The service will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Marston at 12.30pm, followed by a committal at Kingsdown Crematorium. The dress code is casual, with no dark colours.