FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a "true country gentleman" who died in a farmyard accident.

William Lax, 80, was killed by a bull on his farm at Carlton Grange, Aldbrough St John, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on Thursday.

Mr Lax, known as Willie, was well known in farming circles and for his involvement with the Zetland Hunt.

His niece, Ruth Gibbon, of Eryholme, near Darlington, said her uncle's death had come as a great shock.

She said: "Willie was very fond of his family and we were very fond of him.

"He was a true country gentleman who loved his hunting and farming. He died with his boots on, which is what he would have wanted, although he might have preferred them to have been his hunting boots."

Bachelor Mr Lax was a warden at the church in Aldbrough St John and looked after the churchyard at nearby Stanwick. He loved cricket and often travelled to see matches at Headingley and Lords. He was also a keen skier.

David Robinson, of the Zetland Hunt, said: "His manner and manners were of a different age. Everybody who had anything to do with horses and hounds knew Willie."

A friend, Councillor John Gill, said: "He was very respected member of the community. And he was a good friend to a lot of people - his death is a big shock to us all."

It is believed the farmer died while trying to stop two bulls fighting. An inquest was opened and adjourned last week. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Mr Lax's funeral is at 12.15pm on Friday at St John's Church, Stanwick.