A VILLAGE stalwart has been remembered by residents who have raised money to buy a commemorative seat.

A large crowd at Sheriff Hutton, near York, turned out to see the unveiling of a teak seat in memory of Alan Farnaby.

Mr Farnaby spent 47 years as clerk to the parish council, 12 years as the local ward member on Ryedale District Council, of which he was a former chairman, and a leader of many organisations in Sheriff Hutton.

Mr Farnaby, who died two years ago, jointly produced the Village News each month, started a walking club and played a key part in the development of the village hall, of which he was chairman.

He was also a prominent member of the gardening club, organiser of the OAP's Christmas party, and well-known at the village Methodist Church.

Parish council chairwoman Penny Bean said: "Alan's contribution to the life of this village was invaluable. He worked hard for so many causes and organisations."

He was also a judge for the Yorkshire in Bloom competition and was involved in the local neighbourhood watch scheme.

Through his work as a district councillor, he was a member of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council executive and of the North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association.

Born and bought up in the village he loved, he used to walk his father's herd of milking cows from fields on the outskirts of the village to the family farm.

He later worked with the Milk Marketing Board.

His son, Richard, said: "He was known in the farming world throughout North Yorkshire and beyond through his work with the board."

The seat was unveiled at the approach to the village in the shadow of an oak tree, by his widow, Jean, and Mrs Bean.