by Graham Tutthill

A well-known Dover character is hoping the people of the town will take heed of his final message: smoking kills.

Albert Whittamore, known as Dick, died earlier this month aged 85, and left strict instructions signs are to be displayed in his hearse warning others about the dangers of smoking cigarettes.

Mr Whittamore - who ran Winmore Enterprises in the town for nearly 50 years - was a heavy smoker in his younger days, and blamed that on the emphysema he suffered in later life, which rendered him almost immobile.

Most recently he had to use a motorised wheelchair to get around, and was a familiar sight on the streets of Dover.

"He wanted to do his bit to get the message across to people about the health problems which smoking can cause," said undertaker Paul Sullivan, who is organising the funeral.

"I am having signs made up to put in the hearse, according to his instructions. He also left details of the route he wants the funeral procession to take around the town to show everyone the message."

The funeral takes place on Tuesday, March 2, leaving his home at Tower Hamlets Road before taking a 30-minute tour of the town, ending up at St Mary's Cemetery for the funeral service.

For nearly 50 years he ran Winmore Entertprises, a small shop below his home, retiring in 2005 because of ill health.

Full story and pictures in this week's Dover Mercury newspaper.