Tributes were paid yesterday to former Teesdale councillor Ken Walton, who was famous for knowing the benefits system inside out, and for using his skill to help hundreds of people get what they were due.

His family received many messages following his death at the age of 78 in Evenwood, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, where he was a councillor for many years.

His daughter, Judith, said: "A lot of people have contacted us from all over the area saying how grateful they were to him for showing them how to get their full benefits. For years, he was like a one-man advice service for anyone having difficulty in getting benefit money. He was always happy to give advice on this and any other problems."

Mr Walton was a fireman, then a policeman and construction worker, before becoming a member of Teesdale District Council, of which he was chairman in 1990.

In the chamber, he was known as a livewire character who usually had a smile on his face and liked to crack a joke when he felt debates were becoming too serious.

John Armstrong, father of the council, with 51 years service, said yesterday: "I had many battles with Ken during debates but we always stayed good friends. He did a lot of excellent work for the area.

"But he was best known for his huge knowledge of the benefits system. He helped many local residents get benefits they would not have known about otherwise. He knew the system inside out."

Mr Walton was a long-serving committee member of Evenwood Workingmen's Club, where he was often sought out by people with problems, and he never turned them away.

He caused a storm at one council meeting by saying Barnard Castle's famous market cross should be removed from the main street - but he admitted later he said it only to liven up a dull session.

He is survived by his partner Marian, as well as daughters Judith, Barbara, Susan and Lesley, sons Howard and Stephen, 28 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral service will be at St Paul's Church, Evenwood, at 10.45am tomorrow.