FORMER scrap dealer Alan ‘Gus’ Garrett died at his home at Mitchells Pool, Wellington, on Saturday after a long illness.

Gus, who was 73 and leaves a widow Sue, ran businesses at Chelston and Poole, Nynehead.

Abandoned at birth, he was adopted and was teased as a youngster, but would always answer back: “Your parents had you, but I was chosen.”

His passion in his younger days was banger racing and he won the All-England Championships at Smeatharpe Stadium in 1992. He also finished fourth and seventh in world finals.

He lived in Parklands Road, Wellington, with his adopted parents and went to Court Fields School.

The funeral will be held at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Tuesday at 3.30pm and will be attended by close family only because of coronavirus restrictions. The hearse will pass through Wellington on its way to the crematorium.

Sue, who was licensee of the former Ship Inn in Mantle Street, Wellington, for ten years, says the family will hold a memorial service and wake once the coronavirus outbreak is over.