We regret to report the sad death of Reginald (Reg) Leonard Chatt, who passed away recently at the age of 92.

Reg’s son David got in touch and said: “Dad spent almost all of his working life in the market, first as a empties man and then as a Registered Porter in old and New Covent Garden Markets. He started in 1946 aged 15 and retired in 1998, aged 67, after the loss of his wife, Rene.

“He worked for firms such as Morris Springer, Fenn and Hexton and WHA Farmers over a long career. He was a union official and also Chairman of Branch 440 for many years. He oversaw the move from the old market to Nine Elms back in 1974.

“He was a passionate supporter of workers’ rights and making the lives of hard-working porters the best he could. He was also widely respected in the market community and was a very honourable and decent man,” David said.

“I worked myself for 8 years in the market and know how hard a job being a Porter, so I am very appreciative of all porters and my dad was one of them.

Reg is survived by two children David and Tina, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.