THE funeral is today being held of a former supermarket worker who became the face of Asda during a national advertising campaign.

Colin Jones, of Stamford Bridge, became a well-known face in 2000, when he was chosen to be in the supermarket’s TV advert welcoming people to the store and handing out cookies to customers. A lifesize cardboard cut-out of Colin also greeted Asda shoppers at many of their UK branches.

At the time, Colin was working as the official Asda “golden greeter” at their main branch in Leeds and as the store Santa during the Christmas period at Monks Cross.

The family and friends of Colin, who died aged 80 in St Leonard’s Hospice, will attend his funeral at York Crematorium today.

A former member of York Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, Colin’s acting skills were put to good use in the advert, which was filmed at an Asda store in London.

Speaking to The Press at the time, Colin said: “The advert was a totally new experience for me being in front of the cameras. My friends and relatives have been ringing me up from all over the country.

“The last three weeks have been absolutely fabulous. I’ve had a wonderful response from customers and staff to my new-found fame. It’s been quite brilliant.

“I’ve suddenly got a new career in front of me. I’ve had more job satisfaction over the last five years than during my whole time working in industry.”

Colin was described as “a great guy” who “always had a smile for everyone”, by then general store manager, Paul Williamson.

He leaves sons Steve, Mark and Christopher, daughters-in-law Jayne and Lynda and grandson Adam.

Nick Agarwal, a spokesman for Asda in Leeds, said: “I remember Colin very well indeed – he was chosen to represent Asda in our advertising, because he represented us at our best – a warm and welcoming friend to old and new shoppers alike.

“His smile seemed at times to stretch from Leeds to York.”