TRIBUTES have been paid to shoe king Tommy Ball after he died aged 83.

The pioneering shoe trader died at home on the Isle of Man on Sunday, it has been revealed.

Friends and former colleagues spoke of their sadness at the news and called for permanent tribute for him in the town.

Brenda Scott, the current manager of the Tommy Ball's store in Hart Street, said: "I started working for him when I was 17.

"He was a fantastic boss to work for, a real character. What you saw was what you got with Tommy.

"He had no airs or graces.

"I remember he used to give £1 notes to all the children in the shop, and if you went in a pub he would buy everyone a drink.

"The money he would give to charity was unbelievable.

"Even today people still think he owns it, and they ask after him when they come in the shop."

Mr Ball, who died on Sunday, set up the company in the 1950s.

In its heyday the firm was well know throughout the country and attracted coach parties of shoppers.

He sold the company in 1986 and retired to the Isle of Mann.

Maralyn Rigby, who now owns the business with her husband Paul, worked for Mr Ball 30 years ago.

The 56-year-old said: "He was a lovely, lovely man who will be sorely missed.

"They should put up a statue of him in honour of what he did for this town.

"It's like a part of history has gone."

Blackburn businesswoman Margo Grimshaw said: "It's sad because he is a piece of Blackburn's history, and he put the town on the map for a lot of people.

"It's like the end of an era. People used to arrive from all over the country on coaches to see the store."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw paid tribute to a "great, iconic, home-grown Blackburn figure".

He added: "He provided a service not just to people from Blackburn but from all over the place."

David Cottam, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, added: "I'm very sad to hear the news.

"Tommy did a lot of good for Blackburn. He really went for it to put the town on the map.

"People used to come from far afield on coach trips to go to Tommy Balls and to Blackburn Market."