A WELL-known figure in Pickering has died aged 78, following a short illness.

Bill Danby had owned Morlands Newsagents and Pickering Post Office in the town's Market Place since 1975.

Before that, he and his wife, Ada, ran newsagents shops in Lowther Street and Haxby Road in York.

Born in Milner Street, Acomb, York, Mr Danby also spent time in the Lutton and Leavening areas of Ryedale in his childhood, and was educated there and at Poppleton Road School in York.

During the Second World War, he was a lance corporal and PE instructor in the army, and once met his younger brother, Ronald, by chance in Cairo while they were both on war service.

Mr Danby also worked as a truck driver before moving into the newsagent business in York in 1966.

About ten years ago the day-to-day running of the Pickering shop was taken over by Mr Danby's children, Alan and Margaret, though he retained an active interest in the business.

He campaigned against plans to put a one-way system in the Market Place, which were eventually dropped by North Yorkshire highways chiefs.

Mr Danby was a former member of Kirkbymoorside Golf Club and enjoyed playing dominoes.

Margaret said: "He was very much a family man who thought the world of his grandchildren."

He leaves his widow, his brother and sister, Peggy, his son and daughter, and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at 1pm on Thursday at St Peter and St Paul's Church, Pickering, followed by cremation at York Crematorium.