Tributes have poured in following the death of a well known St Helens man.
Sherdley Court Care Home in Rainhill announced the death of John Smith on Saturday ( August 21.)
The post 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.
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Leave your tributes and memories of Johnny in our comments section below
"He was a beloved resident of Sherdley Court and we are honoured and privileged that John was part of our family for the last few years. May he Rest in Peace."
Mr Smith was known in the St Helens area as 'Johnny Welly' and many members of the community have shared tributes to him on social media.
One person wrote: "Feels so strange knowing that we will never see John again. Just today expecting to see him was weird. Sleep tight John."
While another added: "It’s so sad John was loved by everyone and will be sadly missed by the people of St Helens."
Another said a statue of John would be fitting, they wrote: "Should be a statue made of him dancing in the town hall square. He brought more smiles to people's faces in the town than anyone."
One read: "Thank you to all your staff who looked after this fantastic guy. Keeping him safe."
A Go Fund Me page has now been set up to help pay for Mr Smith's funeral costs.
A message was posted on the page which read: "Johnny was a very popular man everyone everywhere new Johnny.
"He was also known as Johnny Wellies by everyone far and wide .
"Johnny went to school with my mum . My mum said he was such a nice person and always spoke highly of my mum.
"I always had time to stop and speak to Johnny. I bought him a drink and sometimes food . I always gave him couple of (pound) for a drink . Johnny had his problems but that didn’t bother me. I took Johnny as he was on the day .
"Sadly Johnny passed away today and I would like to set this fund me page up to support financially towards his funeral and resting place.
"Anything left to be donated to Sherdley Court where Johnny spent few years living there with support for his mental health.
"Now we need all you good people far and wide to donate and give this amazing talented man the send off he truly deserves so come on people support this worthy cause."
To contribute to the page go here
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