TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Salisbury taxi driver who has been described as a “real gentleman with a heart of gold”.

Harold Griggs died on January 24 at Southampton General Hospital with his family by his side after suffering a chest infection and battling cancer.

His family said: “Harold had a heart of gold and would go out of his way to help people.”

Harold, who was a much-loved taxi driver, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013. He retired from dTk Salisbury (Griggrose Travel) in September, 2016 before his 65th birthday.

Born in Salisbury, he grew up in Cedar Close, Bemerton Heath and went to Woodlands School, Highbury Junior School then to Highbury Senior School.

When Harold left school his first job was as at Wilton Carpet Factory. He also worked at FMC Abattoir, then as a kitchen porter at The Old Manor Hospital on Wilton Road, and a night loader at H M Bennett's at Appleshaw near Andover where he met Andy Gillkes.

In 1988/89 Harold started as a taxi driver along with Andy Gillkes. He worked for a number of taxi firms in Salisbury including Assisi Transport, City Cabs, and then his own firm Cedar Cabs which was taken over by his son Darren and daughter-in-law Kelly at D&K Travel Andover in 2014.

Former clients of Harold's, Mark Newman and his family, said: “We do have fond memories of Harold, he made an impression on Laurence and us from the first day we met him when he introduced himself and confirmed Laurence's weekly transport schedule. We will always remember Harold the taxi driver and his minibus that took our son to school and made it a lovely journey.”

In the 1970s one of his sports was tug of war, Harold would drag his brother Eddie along to join in. They were champions for Wiltshire.

Harold also looked after wrestlers in and out of the ring, including Big Daddy and Giant Haystack and many more big stars.

Harold's dream was to own his own Rolls Royce, but he could not afford one so bought a Jaguar instead, which he would exhibit at the Dorset Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, coming second and third place.

He enjoyed holidays to Cornwall where the Grigg family originated from. One of his favourite places was the Valley of the Rocks in North Devon near Lynton and Lynmouth.

Harold re-married in 2005 to Carol and lived on Devizes Road.

He had a lot of love for his dogs, and enjoyed taking them to Hengistbury Head near Bournemouth and the New Forest.

Harold's funeral is on Wednesday, February 15, at Salisbury Crematorium, 11.30am. He will travel for his last drive through the city, leaving Devizes Road/Highbury Avenue junction at 10.40am along Crane Street, Catherine Street, New Canal and Castle Street to the crematorium followed by a taxi convoy.