Homeless man's coffin taken to supermarket that was his favouriote place to beg

The coffin of a homeless artist dubbed a “lovable rascal” by friends was wheeled past his favourite Asda where he used to BEG.

Troubled Ben Kreisler, 36, died of a drug overdose in May after years battling addiction.

Despite his problems and numerous brushes with the law, he was a popular figure in Worcester and often sold his art on the street while asking shoppers for change.

In a fitting tribute to the “lovable rascal”, his family and friends arranged for his coffin to pass his favourite begging spot in the city on Friday (1/7).

Video shows the moment five pallbearers wheeled his coffin across the cobbles before pausing by the steps of Asda in the city centre.

Dozens of friends and family then attended Ben’s funeral at St George’s Catholic Church.

Kerry Marnell, a support worker at St Paul’s Hostel where Ben stayed, described him as “one of a kind”.

She said: "He could be caring, generous, lovely. He was very smart and intelligent and always had his head in a book.

“Even when he was being a pain he was still loveable. He could be outspoken, specially he thought he was in the right.

"St Paul's isn't the same without you - you literally left your mark on those steps (by Asda). Rest in peace bro."

Ben's sister Claire Brown paid an emotional tribute to her brother.

She said: "I know if Ben was sitting here today he would say, 'please friends, don't make the same mistakes I did'.

“He knew all too well the power of addiction.

"Ben was a happy, cheerful, mischievous young guy who lit up a room with his personality.”

After Ben was found dead at St Paul’s Hostel on May 23, friends flooded Facebook with tributes.

Jon Parkes wrote: "Very sad, saw his face around Worcester a lot, never know what people are battling. RIP."

Mark Garness said: "Never did anyone harm, just sat there reading a book... sometimes I bought him a coffee on a cold morning, he was really grateful. No more problems Ben."

Andria MacMurray said: "This is very sad. RIP Ben. I saw him sat outside ASDA a few times, always polite and had his book and I would give him a fiver here and there.

"Addictions are horrid, can happen to anyone of us, just takes one thing to make us go off the rails or something drastic in our life to change."

Jo Smith said: "I used to see this lovely man outside Asda a lot. He once looked in the pram at my baby and congratulated me on her arrival.

"I was so touched, as barely anyone would come near us, let alone speak to us due to being in the second lockdown.

“I was really grateful for his kindness and thoughtfulness that day."

Abby Williams wrote: "So sad, he was an intelligent man who'd lost his way in life."

Sky Rose wrote: "One of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to know.

"From the long discussions at ridiculous hours of the morning to the constant creativity that he showed.

"I’m glad I bought a piece of art off him, it’ll stay in pride of place in my home forever."