A DEDICATED family man and devout Christian has died at the age of 76.

Spennymoor-born Gilbert Anderson was a well-known personality in his home town and managed to touch the hearts of people he met in all walks of life.

Mr Anderson's wife, Joan, said she is comforted through her loss by the happy memories of their 42 years together.

The couple lived in Whitworth Terrace all their married life and raised three children, David, 39, Lynne, 38, and Eunice, 37.

From 1953 to 1969, Mr Anderson worked as a gardener for Sedgefield Rural Council, then took care of Spennymoor's Town Hall and Jubilee Park until his retirement in 1986.

He was a dedicated Christian, worshipping at the New Life Christian Centre, Villers Street, Spennymoor.

Mrs Anderson, 66, said: "He believed in living life as a Christian, not just claiming to be one or by trying to convince others to have faith.

"The church has been important to the family, and especially to Gilbert."

His son, David, said: "Dad also liked cricket. We used to go together to see Durham at the Riverside."

After his family and faith, Mr Anderson's other love was the St John Ambulance, for which he had worked as a volunteer from 1979.

"He just liked to help people where he could, he was a first aider at sports events and civic services and would never turn down the opportunity to help out," said Mrs Anderson.

Mrs Anderson and family want to thank friends for their support and donations, which will be given to the St John Ambulance.