Here is the story from the local paper.
Tributes after death of Big Issue seller
FLOWERS mark the spot where popular Big Issue seller Martin Pugh, who died suddenly on Monday, could normally be found selling his magazines, writes Charlie Francis-Pape.
The 38-year-old and his dog Rhubarb had a regular pitch next to the Town Hall, where tributes and messages have been tied to a pillar. Mr Pugh, also known as Pugh, collapsed at about midday on Monday while visiting a friend in Charmouth, but was dead before paramedics arrived.
Tributes from friends and shopkeepers describe a smiling happy man who loved to chat to people.
Girlfriend Amanda Wright said: "A lot of people judged him because they saw him on the streets, but nobody knew the real Pugh, who loved animals and would travel early mornings, sometimes 60 miles, to get his papers to sell."
Friend David Cockeridge, who described the Big Issue seller as like a brother, said: "He always had a smile for everyone. He would stop and talk to anyone, even if it meant missing a sale of the Big Issue."
The pair lived together in a tent at Asker Meadow for three months until it was burnt down by vandals and they slept rough for a while.
Mr Cockeridge said: "We used to read books together, he loved reading. We also had a radio and used to love listening to Wessex FM on a Sunday night when they play three hours of 1970s rock music."
Originally from Southampton, Mr Pugh had lived in Bridport for many years, but had also lived around the world, including India.
He was a punk in the early eighties and then a traveller who loved living on the road and spent two years in Ireland.
Miss Wright said: "Pugh loved life and loved to party. He was loved by his friends and will be sadly missed by many people internationally.
"He was the life and soul at all the parties. He was a good stepdad and a generous, loving, kind boyfriend. I am going to miss him and hope he is at peace."
First Choice travel agents were among those to place flowers at the site.
Jackie Glynn, of First Choice, said: "Martin used to come in every day to change the money that he had earned. "He was a really lovely man, he used to chat to all of us. We couldn't believe it when we heard."
Staff at Frampton's also paid tribute to Mr Pugh. He stored his bag in the shop and would often be given a bone for his dog by butcher, Phil Frampton.
Bruce Joy, who works at the butchers, said: "On Christmas Eve, after he finished work, he came in the shop and had a few beers with the staff. It was great to chat to him." Colleague Adam Smith said: "We used to give him cups of tea and bacon sandwiches, which he really enjoyed, especially on a cold morning."
A heart-felt poem placed with the tributes by Mr Cockeridge includes the lines: "Martin your heart is bigger than any man alive. Little town of Bridport, don't let Martin down, Remember just how hard he worked to earn his money in this town."
Many people got to know the Big Issue seller after stopping to talk about his faithful friend Rhubarb. The three-year-old dog is now living with Mr Pugh's girlfriend.
An inquest is due to be opened and adjourned today. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
