TRIBUTES have been paid to a decorated former policeman, well-known business leader and dearly-loved family man.

Peter Brant, of Aiskew, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, died of a heart attack in his sleep on Sunday, aged 54.

Mr Brant managed the Maynews store, in Bedale, and was the chairman of Bedale Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

Born in Croydon, Mr Brant moved to North Yorkshire with his family when he was six. He joined the police when he left school and was posted to Hawes, in Wensleydale.

He received two commendations during his time in the town - once for rescuing cavers stuck in the Buttertubs and again for tackling a group of Hell's Angels.

He later served in Helmsley, Whitby and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

After retiring from the police, he became postmaster at Reeth, in Swaledale. When not working in the post office, he would write for the Reeth Gazette newspaper, which he launched. He was also a member of Reeth Parish Council and throughout his life was heavily involved in the Scout movement.

After living in Scarborough for a short time, he settled in Aiskew, working first for Towlers newsagents in Bedale, then with Maynews. Mr Brant married his second wife, Julia, last year.

Alison Brant, 27, daughter from his first marriage, said: "He was a very kind family man who would do anything for anybody."

His son, Paul, 31, said: "He created opportunities for people. He would open doors so people could make the most of what was available. He had integrity and was a man of his word - if Peter said he was going to do something he would do it."

The funeral service is at 10am today at St Gregory's Church, Bedale.