HE was the well-known and much-loved face of the funfair.

Peter Cole, who ran the family business B Cole & Sons with his brother Billy for decades, has passed away at home in Netley Marsh surrounded by his family.

Born into the travelling lifestyle of the funfair in Christchurch in 1946, Peter took over the family business with his brother in 1978. The business B Cole's & Sons was previously owned by their father Bernard before being handed down to them, but its origins date back to 1890.

They would spend around eight months of the year travelling around 25 sites in Hampshire Dorset and Wiltshire, famously Southampton Common, Bursledon Road, Canford Arena and Christchurch Recreation Ground.

For the last eight years, he ran the mini rides in the centre of Bournemouth.

“He was able to do what he loved until very close to the end," said daughter Emma. "And that is some comfort to us. But he was our rock, our everything, and we're really going to miss him."

Peter, who was married to Elizabeth for 47 years, loved holidays in Vegas, Benidorm and Budapest and took the whole family to Disneyland Paris in February.

He was a lover of 60s music and a lifelong Saints fan delighted to see his team top the Premier League recently.

Peter leaves his wife, three daughters Kelly, Rhoda and Emma ,son in law John and grandchildren Chloe, Dion, John, Willow and Ezra.

His private funeral is due to take place this week. A larger memorial will follow.