TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a popular man who went beyond the call of duty to make visitors feel welcome at a major museum.

Stan Ireland, who has died at the age of 81, was head attendant for more than 25 years at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

One of his tasks was to operate the famous mechanical silver swan which appears to swallow fish. He explained the workings for many guests including the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret and also took a great interest in the thousands of exhibits.

Elizabeth Conran, who was curator of the museum at the time, said yesterday: "Stan was a superb head attendant who motivated all the other attendants and made their difficult work go smoothly. He was popular with them, but also had their respect."

Mr Ireland's son, Trevor, said: "Dad was passionate about the museum. He loved it and thoroughly enjoyed working there. He learned all he could about the exhibits and was delighted to be able to pass on his knowledge."

Mr Ireland also studied his own family history and was thrilled to discover that some ancestors who had emigrated from Teesdale to Canada ran a small museum.

Mr Ireland, who lived in Victoria Road, Barnard Castle, is survived by his wife, Isabel. The funeral service will be at Barnard Castle Methodist Church on Thursday morning. Donations will be given to the Alzheimer's Society.