A surveyor who saved his town a lot of money thanks to his vast knowledge of the underground drainage system has died at the age of 90.

Edgar Dixon often surprised councillors with his understanding of ancient pipes and gulleys under the streets of Barnard Castle, Co Durham.

He was a public health officer and surveyor to the now-disbanded Barnard Castle Urban District Council for many years, and made a study of drainage charts going back centuries.

When there was a problem with sewer or drainage pipes he could often pinpoint the problem and get it cleared quickly without a need to dig up roads.

Alan Wilkinson, who was a council member at the time, said yesterday, "He had a very extensive and detailed knowledge of the underground network which went back a long way.

"He understood the route and position of drains dating from the 1700s. He was able to explain any problem with skill and humour, and could soon put things right."

Mr Dixon, whose wife Phyllis died some years ago, leaves three sons and two daughters as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. A service of thanksgiving will be held at Barnard Castle United Reformed Church on Friday at 12.15pm.