A YORK businessman will attend the funeral of TV star and music promoter David Gest this week.

Wayne Chadwick, owner of York Roast Co, has been invited to attend the ceremony at Golders Green crematorium in London, after Mr Gest's continued praise for the business.

Mr Gest, who owned a house in York, was found in a London hotel on Tuesday, April 12, and had frequently mentioned the York Roast Co in Stonegate as one of his favourite places to eat in the city, during interviews and on stage.

Mr Chadwick said he had been contacted by Mr Gest's assistant who invited him to the ceremony on Friday.

He said: "It feels pretty special. We never got chance to properly thank the man for what he did for us. He did it all with his heart, he wasn't looking for any deals or discounts, nothing like that, he actually just loved what we did. That was it.

"It's a great shame. I think York took David in, really. If you went back quite a few years, people were very sceptical about him and people got to like him through the jungle [I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here], and Celebrity Big Brother, but I think in York, the fact he was utterly accessible, he never shirked people, and would speak to anyone was appreciated."

In 2013, Mr Gest said he was buying a property in York, as he had fallen in love with the city.

He said then: "When you have the Minster, all other churches fade by comparison, and when you walk through the city, it has an elite beauty, and the people are so special. I think I'd like to die here? Not soon - eventually!"

Mr Gest's new tour, I'm Not Dead But Alive With Soul tour was due to begin at York Barbican in July.

A statement from the venue said: "We are currently in conversation with the shows producers and we will provide further information to ticket holders as soon as possible. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Gest at this sad time."