THE farming communities of Bishopdale and Wensleydale have lost one of their stalwarts following the death of Herbert Scarr, aged 85.

Mr Scarr led a full life, surrounded by family and friends, and his concern for their welfare remained with him, despite his own declining health, until his death.

He was born at West End Farm, Lunds, the sixth child of Wilson and Margaret Scarr. After attending Lunds School, he worked on the family farms until 1942, when he became a Bevin boy at Mainsforth Colliery, Ferryhill, County Durham.

On his discharge, he returned to farm at Lunds until 1951, when he married Margaret Heseltine and the couple farmed at Swine Cote, near Thoralby.

Outside farming, Mr Scarr was interested in travel, current affairs and all aspects of dales life. He and his wife contributed valuably to activities in and around Thoralby, where they spent all their married life.

Mr Scarr, who died at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, on July 30, is survived by his wife, two brothers, a sister in law and several nephews and nieces.

A large congregation if relatives, friends and neighbours gathered at St Andrew's Church, Aysgarth, for a funeral service. The pall bearers were Alan Pedley, Stuart Harker, Robert Thornborrow, Melvyn Dinsdale, Brian Scarr and Robert Scarr.

Donations in Mr Scarr's memory raised £776 which was divided between the British Heart Foundation and the church.