ONE of Bedale's great characters has died, aged 89.

Mollie Hird, of Emgate, was a familiar figure, working for decades as a part-time helper in the saleroom run by M W Darwin and Sons, in the town's Bridge Street.

She was also well-known for her love of animals, including regularly feeding the large duck population on Bedale Beck.

Mike Darwin, a partner in the firm, said: "When we took over the salerooms in the late 1950s, Mollie came with them and worked with us through to about 1996.

"She let people know what she thought. There were no holds barred with her and it's fair to say that many of us learned some new words from her. She was a character and people liked that. She liked a good natter with people who brought items in.

"After she retired, we kept in touch with her and, although she had been ill, we thought she was indestructible and were shocked when she died."

Pauline Claridge, of Aiskew, who knew her well, said: "They don't make characters like Mollie any more.

"She fed the ducks twice a day, in the morning and at teatime, come rain or shine.

"She bought all the grain and bread herself and she must have spent a fortune on them, but it gave her pleasure."

Mrs Hird had been unable to feed the ducks for about two years for health reasons but one of her former colleagues at the saleroom continued her work.

Her funeral took place at St Gregory's Church, Bedale, yesterday.