A LONG-SERVING Stourbridge market trader has lost his brave battle with cancer.

Michael Clewes, who had run 3M's Tights in Spencer's Market for nearly 20 years, died on Monday night (May 19) at Russells Hall Hospital.

The 62-year-old - who lived in west Hagley - had been fighting the terminal disease for just over a year.

But he had continued to run his popular tights stall in the Crown Centre market up until Christmas Eve - even though trade was waning.

Family friend Helen Bartram said: "He was a lovely man and there are so many people who thought a lot of Michael. He was very kind and generous, and unassuming."

Michael - who was born and bred in Stourbridge - leaves a wife Margaret, daughter Mandy, son-in-law Mark and a one-year-old grandson Mackenzie.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.