VILLAGERS in Weardale are mourning the loss of a great local character.

Former postman George Snowdon came to lodge at the Cowshill Hotel, in Upper Weardale, more than 15 years ago, and was still a resident when he died there at the age of 92.

Landlady and friend Tiffy Siddle described Mr Snowdon as "part of the kitchen furniture".

Apart from taking the pub dog, Jimmy, for walks, he helped every morning by peeling vegetables.

He then retired to the bar where he took his customary seat at a window, armed with a pint of bitter and a large whisky.

"He also had a supply of whisky in his room, and we used to row about his drinking because he had an ulcer," said Tiffy, "but he didn't take any notice".

Mr Snowdon, who was born in Stanhope, the son of a lead mines cashier and later publican, thrived on "a bit of good crack" in the bar at Cowshill.

After working as a postman in the dale for many years, Mr Snowdon, a bachelor, moved to Teesside with his sister, Muriel, where they managed several golf and masonic clubs.

He ended his working life as a school groundsman at Stockton.

But he always spent his holidays in his native Weardale, taking a great interest in archaeology and helping to make several important finds of Roman remains.

Fifteen years ago, on the death of his sister, Mr Snowdon told Tiffy Siddle that he would have to find somewhere to stay.

"He just sort of moved in - and never left," she said.

Mr Snowdon's funeral service will be held at St Thomas's Church, Cowshill, on Friday, at 11.30am, followed by cremation