A surveyor who saved his town a small fortune thanks to his knowledge of the underground drainage system has died aged 90.

Edgar Dixon often surprised councillors with his knowledge of the pipes and gulleys under the streets of Barnard Castle, County Durham.

He was a public health officer and surveyor to the now-disbanded Barnard Castle Urban District Council for many years, and made a study of drainage charts going back centuries.

When there was a problem with sewer or drainage pipes he could often pinpoint the problem and get it cleared quickly without a need to dig up roads.

Alan Wilkinson, a council member at the time, said: "He understood the route and position of drains dating from the 1700s. He was able to explain any problem with skill and humour, and could soon put things right."

Mr Dixon, whose wife, Phyllis, died some years ago, leaves three sons and two daughters, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at Barnard Castle United Reformed Church on Friday, at 12.15pm.