Devizes has been shocked by the sudden death at the age of 65 of former Yokels star Tom Mills.

Mr Mills, who lived at High Lawn with his wife Sandra, collapsed at the top of the Brittox on Tuesday morning.

He was attended by paramedics but was pronounced dead on arrival at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

Mr Mills had only retired in July from running Commercial Signs in Commercial Road with his long-time business partner Bob Howes.

The two men had been in business together as signwriters since 1982. The business has since reopened under new management.

Mr Mills’ eldest daughter, Karen Sims, said: “He had arranged to meet mum in town but he had already collapsed by the time she arrived.

“We are all devastated by his death. The only blessing is he could not have suffered. It was all very sudden.”

Mr Mills will be best known for his collaboration with fellow Bromhamite Geoff Paget in the comedy musical duo The Yokels, who had huge success in the 1970s and had recorded many albums together.

The duo toured clubs, pubs and theatres throughout the south of England and even as far north as Manchester. They worked with many famous names in show business. On one occasion they worked with the TV comic Norman Vaughan, who insisted on putting them above himself on the bill as they were getting more laughs.

Mr Paget died in 2007 but Mr Mills continued the Yokels’ success with Keith Burge, with whom he published a book of Wiltshire humour entitled Marnin’ Moonrakers earlier this year.

Since retirement, Mr Mills had taken up painting as a serious hobby.

Mr Mills was born in Hartlepool but spent most of his life in Bromham. He and Mrs Mills met while pupils at primary school and were married at St Nicholas Church in 1966.

They had three daughters, Karen, Lisa and Julie, and three grandchildren, Katie, Suzanne and Amy.

Mr Mills’s death has been referred to the Wiltshire coroner, although it is almost certain to be by natural causes.

But until an inquest has been opened and adjourned no funeral arrangements can be finalised.