A FORMER postmaster and Rotarian has died at the age of 75.

Tributes have been paid to great grandfather David Normington, of Darlington, who died on April 17 following an illness.

Mr Normington was a longstanding member of Darlington Rotary, serving as the club's president in 1997, and was heavily involved in fundraising and organising the town's half marathon.

He had two children, Philip and Karen, two step sons Calum and Rory, three grand children, three step grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Originally from Leeds, he moved to Darlington in March 1986 to work as manager of the TSB Bank.

It was on his 40th birthday, while staying at a hotel in the town when he first arrived in Darlington that he met Sue, who was to be his wife for 34 years. The couple married in the October of 1986.

Mr Normington retired from banking and became sub postmaster for the last decade of his career.

He became sub postmaster of Stockton Post Office in 1991, adding Barnard Castle Post Office in 1993 and retired from both in 1999.

He was an active member of the Free Masons and Darlington's Rotary Club, becoming president in 1997 and last year was made an honorary member in recognition of his service. He was also part of Darlington Tankard Club.

Son Philip Normington said: "People who met him said he was a traditional gentleman. He always had time for people which was why he was a 'join upper' and he liked to give back to organisations.

"Other people in the Rotary and Masons who have come forward to give their condolences have said he was very supportive in helping them carry out their duties and welcome new people to the clubs. Many people have come forward to say he was the reason they joined because he encouraged and welcomed them. He will be missed by many."

He added: "My personal thank you goes out to The Darlington Rotary Club, who supported my dad through his year of being president of the club while he was going through his treatment for cancer.

"I have memories of hundreds of applications for the Darlington half marathon being delivered each year to dad and Sue's house, with dad methodically processing the paperwork for each runner sending out the welcome packs and running numbers and then on the day of the event dad would be out on a street corner marshalling the athletes, including on one occasion Karen and her children."

Due to coronavirus restrictions, a private funeral is taking place today at the West Cemetery Chapel in Darlington.

Donations can be made to The Darlington Rotary Club Charitable Trust.