York Big Issue seller's funeral fund raises more than £3k

Peter Toulson has been described as "gentle giant"

Donations to an online appeal will help to pay for the funeral of a popular Big Issue seller.

Peter Toulson, who died on Monday, sold the magazine from a pitch outside a department store in York's Parliament Street.

A friend of Mr Toulson started a fundraising page to help his partner Karen pay for his funeral costs.

The appeal has now exceeded its £3,000 target just a few days after being launched.

'Gentle giant'

John and Julie McGall who established the fundraising site said they wanted to give Mr Toulson "the send off he deserves".

A message on the site described Mr Toulson as "a gentle giant".

"Always had a smile or friendly banter with both his customers and the general public.

"He was a dignified proud man, who for no fault of his own found himself falling upon hard times."