ALL the staff at a supermarket have been given time off to attend the funeral of their good humoured and popular delivery driver who died at the age of 57.

Simon Langton, known as Sam to friends, loved ones and Waitrose customers, died suddenly at his Redhill home on Sunday, January 10, from an aortic aneurysm, with his wife, Marlene, 59, at his side.

Sam worked at the Winton branch of the supermarket chain and wife, Marlene, says that staff are being drafted in from other branches by head office to cover for all colleagues who want to attend his funeral. She added that there are also two books of condolences for staff and customers to sign.

Marlene described her husband, a father of three sons, Martin, Mark and Sam, as somebody who had abrupt and cheeky sense of humour and has been called an inspiration to her by some of his colleagues.

She said: "He had such a rapport with the staff and customers. I've had so many texts from the younger members of staff to send their condolences and he was like a surrogate dad to them. He was a big guy with a big presence."

Explaining what happened on the day he died, she said that he had had just made breakfast when he suddenly collapsed and never recovered.

"It's feels unbelievable. I still wait for him to come through the door. His coat is still hanging on the bannister as I can't bear to move it."

She said that he had worked for various branches of Waitrose for the past 11 years and enjoyed his delivery job, which allowed him to drive around Bournemouth and Poole.

Neil Scorey, branch manager of Waitrose, on Wimborne Road, said: "Sam was a much loved character by both our customers and everyone here at the branch and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Sam’s wife, Marlene, and his family at this difficult time."

Sam's funeral takes place on Friday, February 5, with the hearse being followed by his Waitrose delivery van and some of his friends on scooters to pass Waitrose, on Wimborne Road, on its way to Bournemouth Crematorium for 12.30pm. Donations will be collected for the British Heart Foundation.