Tributes pour in after death of 'much-loved' St Helens character 'Johnny Welly'

Reports emerged overnight that the local character John Smith, known affectionately as "Johnny Welly", had died.

Sherdley Court Care Home in Rainhill has confirmed to the Star that John Smith died peacefully at 6.30am on Saturday in hospital after a short illness.

Care home management will be discussing funeral arrangements with John's solicitor on Monday and more details will follow in due course.

There is also the possibility of a fundraiser for some kind of memorial being arranged.

Johnny was such a well known face around St Helens that he was often the subject of artworks, such as the Free Art Friday movement, and poetry, such as Lyn Gerrard's 'Our Town'.

Earlier today, the care home posted a message stating that a "much loved member of the St Helens community called John had died".

The message read: "We are very sad to confirm that John passed away this morning.

"John was a much loved member of the St Helens community and we are aware that you will share our feelings of sadness and loss.

"He was a beloved member of our Sherdley Court family and we are honoured and privileged that John was part of our family for the last few years.

"May he Rest in Peace."

Johnny dancing during a music concert in St Helens

Hundreds of people have since left messages of condolence to Johnny following the post.

Among the messages was one from Jeannette Harrison,who wrote: "R.I.P Johnny, so sad and he was a gentleman.

"Always said thank you if you gave him anything. I travelled to London with him over 26 years ago, he would always bob up in the most unexpected places.

"Rest in peace Johnny."

Julie Mccracken added: "A huge part of all our childhoods especially in the town area. Everyone of us knew him. Very sad xx."

Janette Karen Moore added: "R.I.P johnny st helens wont be the same with out you was loved by so many."

Prints of Johnny Welly were used in the Free Art Friday movement across St Helens

Jenny Appleton wrote: "Sad news. A true St Helens legend – most have at least one Johnny memory. RIP X."

Prints of Johnny Welly were used in the Free Art Friday movement across St Helens