A VILLAGE has paid a lasting tribute to the quiet quarryman who poured hundreds of pounds into its social life.

Jack Cave's good deeds were legendary in the dales village where he spent his life.

He organised and paid for Sunday school parties and trips for the chapel children, and founded the village concert party, which entertained generations of pensioners.

He even bought the crockery which was used for functions at the village hall and institute, at Frosterley, in Weardale, County Durham.

Now, the village has gone some way to repaying his wealth of kindness and generosity by presenting his sister, Frances, with a painting of the cottage where they spent nearly all their lives.

Frances, 94, who now lives at Sherburn Village, said: "This is a lovely thought.

"This was our playground when we were children.

"It will be given a very special place in my home."

Jack died at Christmas, 1999, when he was staying with Frances. He was 86.

Artist Margaret Slater did the oil painting of Kiln House, a cottage only a stone's throw from the quarry where Jack worked all his life.

She said: "The village is finally saying thank you to the quiet man, who gave so much of his time to so many people and organisations in Frosterley."

Jack's father, Charlie, was also legendary for his good deeds in the village.

He helped build the local institute where a painting of his beloved home at Broadwood hangs.

Headteacher Judith Bainbridge, a member of the village hall committee, said: "Jack Cave did everything in a very quiet way, seeking no thanks from anyone.

"He was a mine of local information.

"If I wanted to know something, I would just ask him - and a little note would later drop through my door.

"He poured countless gifts on the village. Over the years, it must have cost him hundreds of pounds."