TRIBUTES for a North Yorkshire businessman who was part of the “fabric of his community” have been pouring in since his death last week.

Richard Preston, founder and chairman of Prestons of Potto haulage firm, died on December 30 aged 81 following a short battle with leukaemia.

Mr Preston, from Hutton Rudby near Stokesley, was a well-loved character who had a passion for steam traction engines.

He was married to wife Anne for nearly 55 years and they had a son, David, and daughter, Jayne.

His son David has led the tributes to the man who founded the family company that went on to become one of the largest haulage firms in the country.

He said: “He went everywhere with a smile and put a smile on the face of all he spoke to.

“He has done a lot of work for local charities and founded a business that has gone from strength to strength as he worked alongside my mother, Anne.

“It is a real family business and it is a fantastic legacy.”

Northern Regional Director of the Road Haulage Association Steve Biddle said Mr Preston was a well-respected man who was “great fun”.

“He was a very interesting character and a great pleasure to be around. He was well-known within the industry,” he said.

Chairman of Hutton Rudby Parish Council Jonathan Cooper said: “We are appreciative of all the help Mr Preston has given us throughout his life.

“He supported all village functions and events – especially when he has helped enormously with logistics and providing organ music.

“Prestons of Potto also provided the village Christmas tree for many years. He was such a nice, kind chap and was always willing to lend a hand.

“He was part of the fabric of the community and will be sorely missed.”

Prestons of Potto was first established in 1936 as an agricultural contracting business using steam engines.

In February 1957 he was approached by a brick manufacturer who was struggling to find transport due to a diesel shortage in the Suez Crisis, and the haulage company was born.

Mr Preston’s enthusiasm for steam engines stemmed from his father who bought traction engine Lightning II in 1956, which is still part of his treasured collection.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Tim Swales said: “Going back to the 1960s, Richard was a scramble racer with my two older brothers Jackie and Norman, and Everard Bentley.

“They were a great team, until they got married and their lives moved away from scramble racing, but they remained friends.”

Tributes have also been paid by the Great Yorkshire Traction Engine Club, of which he was president; and the National Traction Engine Trust, of which he was patron.

He was also an honorary member of the Fairground Society and the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain.

Mr Preston’s funeral will be held on Saturday, January 10 at All Saints Church in Hutton Rudby at 11am. Family flowers only.