Peter Woodmansey swept the streets of the town for 35 years before officially retiring over 20 years ago – but he continued to clean every day.

He died peacefully at home on Tuesday, aged 86.

Woodmansey continued to get up at 4am every day, despite leaving his council job in 2001, donning his overalls and hi-vis vest to pick up litter and keep the town tidy.

His 80th birthday in 2017 was marked with a huge celebration with people across the town including the mayor, local councillors and businessmen.

His hard work and dedication to the town has been recognised through being awarded the ‘Best of Darlington’ award as well as several other accolades.

Pete the Sweep opening the Hungry Horse pub in Darlington in 2016. Picture by Stuart Boulton.

Although he was born in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Pete moved to Darlington when he was 18 and quickly made the town his home as he worked at the Imperial Hotel as a kitchen porter.

But it was as a street sweeper where he found his passion after developing an insatiable eagerness to keep his community clean.

"He was simply one of a kind," said Julie Whitehouse, a friend of 40 years. "He was a proper gentleman, and someone who always wanted to be a celebrity.

"He loved to make a difference to people. I would walk through the town centre and he would engage with everybody. The work he did in the community, keeping every clean and tidy was amazing.

"He touched a lot of people’s lives in a very simple way. He was very well loved, respected and thought about."

His selfless work has inspired dozens of residents to get involved with community activities and initiatives, and Julie believes people are willing to follow in his footsteps as community champions for Darlington. 

She added: "I would like to think that he has influenced people and he has left a legacy throughout the town."

A funeral service will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, Neasham Road, on Wednesday, August 3 at 1pm. And Julie is asking anyone who wants to pay their respects to join in a celebratory procession of Pete’s life at 12:30pm from Dinsdale Crescent to the church for the service.

“He was sincere, honest and own to earth," Julie said. "It was an absolute privilege to be his friend.”

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, leader of the local authority, paid tribute to the former council worker after his death.

“Pete worked for the council for many years as a street sweeper until his retirement in 2001, but he loved his town so much he continued to do his bit as a volunteer to keep the town clean and tidy,” he said.

“His dedication was recognised with a ‘Best of Darlington’ award and we are forever grateful for his tireless work for his community. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and our condolences go out to his family.”

Pete with the Great Britain bike he decorated to mark the 2012 London Olympics

Hundreds of tributes from residents have also poured in since the announcement of his death.

Former Darlington mayor and councillor, Tom Nutt added: “I was delighted to present Peter with his ‘Best of Darlington’ award. He was so thrilled at having been recognised for the tremendous efforts he made to keep the town clean.

“Whenever I saw him we always had a conversation and he was such a pleasant and unassuming man. We will always remember him. RIP Pete.”

Retired Darlington roadsweeper Peter Woodmansey, left, receives £100 from Denis Pinnegar, from the North-East Chamber of Commerce

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