A COUNCIL has paid tribute to an east Cleveland man who dedicated his time to his town.

Community-minded Norman Bainbridge, the founder member and chairman of the Friends of Saltburn Pier, died on Friday.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for economic development, Vera Moody, said: "It's such a sad loss. Norman has been a hard-working volunteer in Saltburn, and many of his efforts have proved very fruitful to the community in the town.

"It's fair to say that without his efforts, and everyone involved in the Friends of Saltburn Pier, we wouldn't be celebrating such a wonderful asset to the borough."

The funeral will be held at Saltburn's Emmanuel Church on Tuesday, at 1.30pm.

He leaves a widow, Marjorie, daughter, Sue, son-in-law, Paul, and grandchildren, Jack and Helen.

The family is requesting any donations be directed to the Redcar branch of the RNLI or the Emmanuel Church.

National Piers Society chairman Anthony Wills highlighted Mr Bainbridge's efforts as a founder member of the Friends in gaining a Heritage Lottery grant to rescue the Saltburn pier which is a Grade II* listed building.