TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading local historian who has stepped down from numerous community roles.

Long-serving Thirsk Museum curator Cooper Harding and his wife, Margaret, are set to move to Lancashire to be closer to their son and granddaughter after a decline in Mr Harding's health.

The retired teacher, who has also served as the Kirkgate attraction's secretary since moving to the area about 25 years ago, has written illustrated books detailing the town's history and presented talks to many groups to raise funds for the museum.

Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor Janet Watson, described Mr Harding as "the face of the museum" and said he would be sorely missed.

She added: "Cooper has done a fantastic job and made a big impact.

"He knows more about Thirsk than people who have lived there all their lives."

Museum chairman Susan Stephenson said Mr Harding's dedication to the museum meant a team of people would be needed to replace him.

She said: "Cooper is the consummate academic with a brain like an encyclopaedia, and being very public spirited, has spent many hours researching people's family history."

Mr Harding, who has written monthly local history columns for the Darlington and Stockton Times, has also served as secretary of the Vale of Mowbray Probus Club for more than 20 years.

The club's chairman, Geof (CORRECT) Sewell, said Mr Harding had enlivened meetings with "lucid, brilliant and witty" summaries of talks given to the group.

Mr Harding is known among the congregation of St Mary's Church, Thirsk, where he has served as the electoral role officer, for his tenor voice, fundraising, leading intercessions and reading lessons.

The Reverend Richard Rowling said: "Cooper has been a faithful member of the congregation who always has been willing to help the church in whatever way he can."