A farmer who was always willing to pass on advice or offer a helping hand has died at the age of 82.

Kind-hearted Len Cooper spent all his life at Lady Myres Farm, in Gilmonby near Bowes, County Durham, and became known in the area for his knowledge of animals.

He specialised in dairy shorthorn cattle at first, winning prizes with them at shows before switching to friesians, with which he was also successful.

He also had a good name for Teeswater rams and Masham lambs.

Mr Cooper, who took over the farm from his father, Tom, was a staunch supporter of the annual Bowes Show, of which he had spells as chairman and president.

He was chairman of Barnard Castle auction mart and was praised for his efforts during a period in which it was reshaped and its future assured.

During long spells as chairman of Bowes and Gilmonby Parish Council and Bowes Village Hall, he campaigned to improve the area and provide amenities for residents.

His son, Trevor, said yesterday: "He was always helpful to everyone, and did a great deal of work for the Teesdale area and farming in general. Many people benefited from his advice."

Trevor and his brother, Geoffrey, now run the farm, and their sister, Greta, is also still involved in farming. Mr Cooper's wife, Doris, died two years ago.

He was a keen quoits player for many years and took part in a lot of competitions for the Barnard Castle club.

He was a steward of Bowes Methodist Chapel for a long time, and when it closed he transferred to the chapel at Cotherstone, where his funeral service will be held on Thursday afternoon.

His family have decided that donations in lieu of flowers will be shared between the chapel and Richardson Hospital, where he had been a patient in recent months.