TRIBUTES have poured in for a much-loved 94-year-old man who died after a long battle with cancer.

Ernie Richardson, from Ulverston, had lived in the market town for the last 13 years and became well known in the community for taking the time to encourage youngsters at Sir John Barrow School to read.

He died on August 4 at Marsh House care home surrounded by his four children.

His eldest daughter Celia Walters, 65, paid tribute to her father who was a popular member of the community.

She said: "Everybody that came into contact with my dad would say that he was a real gentleman who was always up for a bit of fun. When our mum passed away, we didn't know how he would survive but coming to Ulverston and being welcomed by my cousins and their friends really helped him through."

Mr Richardson, who was born in Newcastle, moved to Ulverston 13 years ago, but had visited the town several times prior to becoming a permanent resident.

He was well-known across Ulverston for his colourful personality and fun-loving nature.

Mrs Walters added: "He was always young at heart. He still thought like an 18-year-old and enjoyed getting together with everyone for any social gatherings in the town."

The 94-year-old received care from staff at Dr Johnston's health centre, Marsh House care home and Furness General Hospital during the final years of his life and Mrs Walters praised medics who treated Mr Richardson.

She said: "He had fantastic end-of-life care and as a family we were so grateful that we were there with him for the last few weeks of his life."

Nichola Booth, who works as a teacher at Sir John Barrow School, has fond memories of Mr Richardson coming into and brightening up the classroom.

She said: "He came in every week for about seven years and used to talk to the children about their books and help them understand difficult words.

"All the kids wanted to have him listen to them read because he was so helpful and the children would always invite him to any events that we had going on at the school.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour, a fantastic memory and a real love of books and that is what he wanted to pass on to the children.

"He was a delightful, cheery, caring and kind gentleman who, through contact with school, became my close, personal friend and I shall certainly miss him very much."

A burial for Mr Richardson will take place today and anyone wishing to attend can contact the Ulverston branch of Co-op Funeralcare for the details.

A celebration to commemorate Mr Richardson's life will be held at the Stan Laurel Inn in Ulverston at 5pm on Saturday August 20. The family have suggested that people donate to their favourite charities in his memory.

READ MORE: Passion for reading that Ulverston man Ernie loves to pass on