A SHOCKED community has paid tribute to a well-loved newsagent who has died suddenly.

Jagat ‘Jagga’ Singh Daudhar, who ran Daudhar News in Horspath Road, Cowley, died from a viral infection in hospital last week.

Last night his family described their shock at the sudden loss and said they could not believe the 37-year-old was gone.

His sister Anita said: “Although he was younger than me, he was like my older brother. We all looked up to him. He was always thinking of other people.”

His father Lachhman Singh Daudhar said everyone would call him “boss”.

The former Peers School pupil had run the family business since leaving university, and the family said he prided himself on being a big part of the community.

Mr Daudhar organised regular coach trips to the seaside for the Horspath Road community, including journeys to the Legoland theme park and Weymouth.

He featured in the Oxford Mail when he organised a ‘Cuppa Day’, which gave a chance for residents to come into the shop for a mug of tea and a chat.

His aunt Banso Biersack, said: “The family is still in shock; we just cannot believe he has gone. We thought it was just a minor illness.

“He was dedicated to his family, which is large and lives close together. ”

She added: “He was always singing too; he loved to sing.”

Mr Daudhar leaves hiswife Sarabjit and two children Sangeeta, aged 12, and Sehajnit, 10.

His mother, Gurpal, said: “He would always encourage people to try new things. And if you ever needed help, he would not give up until you had everything you need.”

Mr Daudhar also helped St Francis School, in Horspath Road, and raised hundreds of pounds from collections in the shop.

The school is now planning a bench and memorial garden to mark his contributions.

Anne-Marie Hughes, from the school’s Parent Teacher Association said: “The community is still in shock.

“He was such a wonderful person and I’ve never met a warmer man.”

A funeral was held on Saturday. More than 400 people are thought to have paid their respects.