TRIBUTES have been paid to a Salisbury shop owner who was well known by the collecting community for more than a decade.

David Grove was the owner of Endless Models, in Endless Street, and became known for his helpful but stern persona.

After a long battle with cancer of the spine Mr Grove died at Great Western Hospital on February 6.

Endless Models shop manager Adrian England had known Mr Grove for around 25 years, even before he ventured into the world of model making.

Mr England said: “He was different, he had his set ways. He was quite stern and stubborn in what he felt but he always tried to help everybody and tried to make things easier for people.”

Despite not being an avid model collector Mr Grove was known for his saying: “I don’t know names, I know numbers.”

“If someone came in here and asked for particular plane, say a Spitfire, he wouldn’t be able to tell you but if he had the model number he could find it for you,” Mr England added.

He said that Mr Grove had been missed in the shop since his death, with many customers paying tribute to him.

Before opening up Endless Models he also part-owned the Salisbury Model Centre, in Fisherton Street, and was involved in Jones & Co, in Rollestone Street.

Following his move to Endless Street, Mr Grove, who was an avid West Ham supporter, became friendly with Kids Klobber owners Martin and Tracey Bunn.

Mr Bunn said: “It seems a bit strange as he used to slip in every day to see how we had done.

“He was good as gold, was never ever trouble.”

Mr Grove’s funeral will take place at Salisbury Crematorium tomorrow (March 1) at 3.15pm.