PORTISHEAD is mourning the loss of one of its longest serving taxi drivers.

David Heard who lived with his wife Carole in Queens Avenue died suddenly on October 21 aged 60.

Son to Alice and Gordon and brother to Sandra, Dave had lived in Portishead all his life.

He met Carole while working at A P Burt & Sons paper mill in Portishead. They married in 1975 and had three children.

Dave had been a taxi driver for the past 30 years, running Carbrite Taxis with Carole for many of those. Tributes have poured in from family members, friends and work colleagues.

In a moving tribute, his daughter Clare said: “Portishead will be a sadder place without my dad.

“He was well-known for his cheeky smile, witty comments and helping hands whenever needed. He will be sadly missed by so many.”

Affectionately known as Mr Bling, Dave’s two main loves, apart from his family, were classical music and Welsh rugby. With a Welsh father, Dave was very proud of his roots and never missed a Welsh match, wearing his rugby shirt with pride.

With his confidence and humour, Dave imposed his classical music tastes on his customers, many of whom actually grew to like it!

In addition to his wife Carole, Dave leaves children Clare, aged 34, Carla, aged 31, and Daniel, aged 28, and 10 grandchildren.

A service will be held to celebrate Dave’s life at St Peter’s Church on Friday at 2pm. This will be followed by a cremation at Bristol Crematorium at 3.15pm and a gathering of friends and family afterwards at 4.30pm at Clevedon Rugby Club, Coleridge Vale Playing Fields, Southey Road.

Those attending are asked to wear Welsh rugby shirts or scarves if they have them, or something red.

Dave’s family would like a public bench in Portishead dedicated to his memory. Anyone wishing to contribute can make a donation via a collection box after the funeral or by calling Clare on 07919 604237.