A DUNFERMLINE charity shop is mourning the death of a long serving colleague.

Alan Gemmell passed away earlier this month at the age of 40.

He had worked at the Sue Ryder shop in Chalmers Street for 15 years and was a well known face at the store.

Over the years, a degenerative condition affecting his nervous system and a road accident had affected his health, but, despite this, he showed remarkable dedication to the charity.

Shop manager Ann Burrell had nominated Alan for an Incredible Colleagues award earlier in the year in recognition of his achievements, which over the years, went a long way to support Sue Ryder’s palliative, neurological and bereavement care.

The awards recognise the work of volunteers across the organisation.

A Sue Ryder spokesperson said Alan was a much loved colleague.

"The store manager Ann said he was absolutely wonderful," he said. "He was known for his cycling every day and came to every shift on his bike.

"The store manager said he used to come into work no matter what. He would always turn up and looked after the books, toys, jigsaws and games in the shop."