THE monk the region knew as Brother George died peacefully last week, aged 92.

George Larkin was born in Burnley, became a member of the Order of St John of God in 1932 and took his first vows two years later.

A qualified mental and surgical nurse, he spent many years on the wards of St John of God Hospital, in Scorton, near Richmond, before becoming the order's principal fundraiser in 1969.

George was indefatigable, becoming so affectionately familiar in pubs throughout the region that fibreglass collecting boxes were made in his image.

A spokesman for the order said: "For many people, the face of the Hospitaller Order of St John of God was the face of Brother George. His interest in fundraising lasted, quite literally, until the day he died."

The black-clad Brother drove around in a Morris Minor known as the Purple Peril, though it was he who came off worst after a crash at Aldbrough St John in 1981.

He suffered a broken kneecap and, insult to injury, a £100 fine from Richmond magistrates who banned him from driving until he took his test again. He never bothered.

In 1993, he had a leg amputated as a direct result of the accident 12 years earlier, but continued in his wheelchair to do daily ward rounds at St John of God.

Often, patients would remember they had last seen him in a pub.

"You shouldn't go to such places," George would mischievously reply.

The Very Reverend John Martin, the order's Provincial, said that Brother George had been an inspiration.

"He rarely complained and was never anything other than optimistic. He was dearly loved by us all and will be greatly missed."

Brother George said he had never feared death.

"When God wants me," he said, "I'll go."

His funeral was held on Saturday.