Readers of a regional daily raised more than £3,000 in memory of a well-known homeless man after an appeal was launched in the newspaper.

The South Wales Evening Post encouraged its readers donate their cash following the death of the man, known as ‘Tea Cosy Pete’, who was described by the paper as a “much-admired” fixture in Swansea city centre.

The Evening Post’s appeal began when Pete, whose real name was Brian Boswell, passed away in January.

The Tea Cosy Pete Memorial Fund was set up on the back of readers’ many requests to do so, with some of the cash being used to give him a proper funeral.

Pictured left is Evening Post editor Jonathan Roberts handing over a cheque to Zac’s Place representatives, Reverend Sean Stillman (centre) and Eric Mason. Pictured right is ‘Tea Cosy Pete’.

Now the remaining funds have been donated to Zac’s Place, a Swansea-based homeless charity.

A plaque in Mr Boswell’s memory will also be installed in the city centre.

Evening Post editor Jonathan Roberts said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of messages and tributes we received following Brian’s death.

“He was clearly a man who had touched thousands of people across the region.

“He may not have been aware of just how popular a figure he was, or how much he had helped to promote a more positive image of the city’s homeless community.”

The Reverend Sean Stillman, of Zac’s Place, who led Mr Boswell’s funeral and was a close friend, was presented with a cheque by Jonathan.

He told the paper: “We are deeply appreciative to the local community and to the Evening Post for choosing to send this our way.

“We are conscious that this money has come from the community out of their respect for Pete, so we will use it in a way that is reflective of what we think Pete’s intentions and wishes would be.”