TRIBUTES have been pouring in for one of Northallerton's best-known and best-loved personalities.

The town's official historian Michael Riordan, who was known as Mick, died at his home after a long illness. He was 69.

Mayor and close friend Jack Dobson said: "Mick was a lovely man and one of the greatest friends Northallerton had. He will be missed by everyone who knew him."

Mr Riordan's death comes a month after he was made an honourary citizen of the town. He was only the seventh person to be given the honour.

The town council said the award was in recognition of his enormous contribution to the community over many years.

Last year he completed a book detailing the history of the town. The project took him 20 years to complete.

The book became a local best-seller and is about to be reprinted. It was the most ambitious of his seven books about the area.

Mr Riordan, who was from an Irish family, moved to Northallerton when he was six. He attended Applegarth Primary School and Northallerton Grammar School before reading history at Sheffield University. He joined the RAF and rose to through the ranks to squadron leader.

When he was stationed at Leeming he renewed his love affair with Northallerton and settled in the town.

Before he retired he was the head of Teesside Careers Service and in 1998 he was named as Northallerton's Official Historian.

Mr Dobson said Mr Riordan had immersed himself in the history of the town, compiling notes, keeping records, writing books, giving talks and travelling extensively for source material.

Mr Dobson said: "We were fortunate in that we were able to install him as an honourary citizen just weeks ago. It was truly deserved."

Mr Riordan leaves a widow and two sons.

His funeral will take place tomorrow at All Saints' Church at 1pm.

The Vicar of Northallerton, Canon Ian Fox, will conduct the service. Family flowers only. are requested with donations to the League of Friends at the Friarage Hospital.