TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the last distinguished fluorspar and lead mines experts, who died last weekend.

Bill Proud started work in the mines of Weardale when he was 14.

He lived most of his life in the Durham dales village of Ireshopeburn. He died in hospital, aged 85.

Mr Proud, a miner for almost 40 years, and his friend, businessman Maurice Makepeace, were responsible for opening the Weardale Museum in 1985 which houses one of the world's finest collections of fluorspar.

It was Mr Proud who was responsible for its collection of fluorspar.

He left Weardale to serve as a bombadier with the Hertfordshire Yeomanry during the Second World War and was a veteran of the D-Day landings.

After the war he returned home, spending more than 30 years at the West Blackdene mine. He established himself as an expert on fluorspar with collectors from as far afield as the US and Germany seeking his advice.

Mr Proud became vice-president of the Weardale Agriculture Show at St John's Chapel, and was a member of the Felons -ancient guardians of law in the dale - for 50 years.

A modest man, he recalled with pride being interviewed by Sir Harry Secombe when he presented one of his Highway programmes from Weardale in 1987.

Professor Robert Milburn, a close friend and fellow founder of the museum, said: "Bill played a substantial part in the creation of the museum, but he did it in his own quiet way.

"It is a testimony to his great love and knowledge of minerals and particular fluorite that the museum today houses one of the most magnificent collections in the world. That is his legacy."

Mr Proud leaves a widow, Jean, two daughters, Ruth and Anne, and two grandchildren.

His funeral takes place today at 11am in High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn.