There has been an outpouring of grief for a beloved shopkeeper after he collapsed and died just months from retirement.

Abdul Aziz, 68, of Newhouse General Store, in Esh Winning, died of a suspected heart attack as he started work Monday.

Known to the community as Aziz, he had run the store for 42 years along with his older brother, endearing himself to several generations of villagers. 

Originally from Pakistan, Aziz first emigrated to the UK in 1967, buying the shop in 1982 and "building it from there."

Aziz will be much missed by his community. (Image: Family Handout) Over his long career, hard-working Aziz built a "family bond" with residents in Esh Winning. 

His eldest son, Arif, said: "My dad ran the shop with his brother for 42 years, and they became part of the village themselves. The store became a real community institution. 

"The support we have received since it all happened has been overwhelming for the whole family. 

"He always said that the village and customers were his second family, but we didn't realise the extent of his impact on Esh Winning. It has been completely overwhelming and touching. 

(Image: Stuart Boulton) "Everything my dad and uncle have ever given to this village has been given back. The village is going to be part of our hearts forever."

Aziz's family are gathering over the next few days to say their goodbyes in a traditional Muslim funeral and flowers have been laid outside the shop.

He leaves behind three sons, two daughters, and his wife Kalsoom Aziz. 

Clare Metcalf, 57, who has worked at the store for 30 years said: "He will be sadly missed by all. The brothers aren't like bosses or work colleagues, they are like family. 

(Image: Stuart Boulton) "Not just to me but to the rest of the staff as well and to the whole community of Esh Winning. 

"Aziz settled in well in Esh Winning and built up a rapport with families and got to know mothers, fathers, and siblings, then their children and grandchildren. 

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(Image: Stuart Boulton)"The family just built up a cracking reputation in the village. Everyone has a story to tell you about them."

Clare added that the respect and love that Esh Winning had for Aziz was "phenomenal."

She said: "It is shown by the tributes being left outside the shop. We have a memorial book outside the shop too and the tributes left just show how much he was loved.

"Villagers are broken with grief at his passing. Everybody is really upset. It's like we've lost one of the family, he was thought of so highly."

(Image: Stuart Boulton)