TRIBUTES have been made to a man at the heart of community life who raised thousands of pounds for a charity.

Bernard Simpson, who was presented with numerous awards for his fundraising work, passed away peacefully at his home in Beadlam, on February 13, aged 91.

Born in Harome , the eldest of six, Bernard left school at 14 and had a short spell working with his uncle felling timber before several years in farming, In 1947 Bernard went to work for Alfred Teasdale at Town End Farm, Beadlam, he remained there for 26 years until Alfred retired. In 1954 Bernard met his wife, Olive and they married on October, 1 1960. In 1963 their son Malcolm arrived and in 1965 they had Brian.

Brian said his father loved farm and country life and was involved in so many aspects of community life.

"Dad was on the Memorial Hall Committee running Bingos, Whist Drives and other events with mum.

"He was on the Ryedale Show council for more than 45 years, receiving a lifetime achievement award. Dad was on the Beckett Recreation Club committee, the John Stockton Trust committee and was one of the key organisers of Nawton and Beadlam Gala and served on Beadlam Parish Council for 30 years.

In 2003 Bernard started the Beadlam Charity Tractor Run for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) charity, and since then has raised almost £120,000.

"Dad’s endless work for charities and local organisations has been recognised a number of times and in 2011 he and mum were invited to attend the Queen’s Garden party at Buckingham Palace , which was a very special occasion for them and they were very proud to attend".

In 2018 Bernard was presented with the Chairman’s award from the YAA and also received the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister for his services to charity.

Brian said: "Last October mum and dad celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, a very proud day for them both and they received a card from the Queen."

A private funeral service will take place at St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale, on Saturday, February 27at 1pm. Anyone wishing to park a tractor at the roadside on route to Kirkdale, is invited to do so in Bernard's memory.