TRIBUTE has been paid to a long-serving market trader who died suddenly while on holiday in Turkey.

Gerald Yaffe, of Barnhill Road, Prestwich, had recently celebrated his 85th birthday at Bury Market, where he had sold coats since 1966.

The father-of-four had a stall on the Georgiana block where he worked with his son Michael, aged 56.

Andrew Heyes, markets manager, said: "We were deeply shocked to hear of Gerald's sudden death while on holiday.

“Gerald had been trading on Bury Market since the 1960s and became a well-loved and respected figure for generations of shoppers and traders alike.

“He will be deeply missed and we offer our sympathies to his family."

A funeral was held last Wednesday at Failsworth Jewish Cemetery and Mr Yaffe’s family has thanked people for their condolences.

They also expressed gratitude to Misaskim Manchester, a Jewish Orthodox charity which helped to expedite Mr Yaffe’s return to the UK.

His family asked for anyone wishing to make a donation or raise money in memory of Mr Yaffe to support Misaskim Manchester.

To find out more about the charity and its work, go to www.misaskim.co.uk.