Colin Brooks: Kidderminster to pay final farewell to 'legend'

Colin Brooks died on September 11, aged 70, and his funeral will be held on Thursday, October 24, at St George's Church.

Mr Brooks has been remembered by residents as a "lovely" man who was "always smiling."

He took over the kiosk at Kidderminster Railway Station in 1985 when it was based out of a wooden cabin on one of the station platforms, after working as a milkman in Kidderminster for 17 years.

The business moved into an old manager's room in the station building in 1993, where he sold newspapers and refreshments to rail users.

Mr Brooks retired when the kiosk closed down after 34 years in 2019. The kiosk was knocked down to make way for the new redevelopment scheme at the station.

Colin Brooks at his railway station kiosk (Image: Newsquest)

Some memorable moments over the years include TV personality Rustie Lee opening his new kiosk after Mr Brooks offered her a lift to Birmingham when she missed her train, meeting Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, and holding the Olympic Torch as it passed through Kidderminster in 2012.

People have been invited to wear football shirts to his funeral, which will start at noon on October 24.

A wake will follow at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club, off Hoo Road.

Donations are being received for The British Heart Foundation and Headway Worcestershire.

Brian Davies, who attended Sion Hill School with Mr Brooks in the 60s, said: "He was just a great guy, everybody loved him. He was such a nice guy, he was one in a million.

"He trusted people to pay him the following day. He was always smiling".

In a statement, Mr Brooks' family said: "Colin’s Wife Lynn Brooks and family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and messages at this very sad time losing a husband, father and grandfather".