TRIBUTES are being paid to a ‘kind and gentle’ man who has died at age 65 in Wimborne.

The much-loved character Rob Forbes was well known to residents in Wimborne, where he resided outside the M&S.

People have been paying their respects to Rob by scattering flowers, balloons, cards, and candles around where he used to sleep.

Eileen Lockwood would frequently chat with Rob. Her granddaughter also gifted him a scarf for Christmas.

Eileen said: “He was such a lovely man; he never asked for anything from anyone.

“People would often offer him money, but he wouldn’t accept it.”

A notice has been put up where Rob used to sleep.

The notice reads: “Robert Forbes, who lived here and at Ferndown in the shopping precinct, sadly died in his sleep last week.

“Rob was a kind and gentle man, who many residents have had a conversation with over the year.”

The civic authorities have been contacted, and it is reported that they are arranging a direct cremation.

Revd Canon Andrew Rowland will lead a memorial service with Major Carol from the Salvation Army in due course.

More information will be put in front of M&S and The Minster signboard.