TRIBUTES have poured in for York conservation champion John Shannon, as it emerged his funeral will be held at York Minster.

Dr Shannon CBE, who was chairman of York Civic Trust for 38 years and died earlier this week aged 92, has been described as a “giant among men” and “one of the city’s outstanding personalities”.

His son, Michael, said today his father’s funeral service will be held at 2pm on Monday, June 14, with everyone welcome to attend.

He said mourners were being asked to make donations in lieu of flowers to the Friends Of York Minster and to Woodlands, the respite care centre for people with multiple sclerosis, in recognition of his brother Robin’s premature death from MS at the aged of 41.

Dr Shannon’s successor as trust chairman, Darrell Buttery, said his achievements had been “quite incredible”.

He said: “He was a giant among men. He did enough for ten men working flat out. It’s quite incredible.”

He said that in addition to well known achievements, such as saving Fairfax House and closing Deangate to traffic, he had also helped prevent the demolition of the Observatory in the Museum Gardens and properties on one side of Gillygate.

Former York council leader and veteran councillor Steve Galloway, who knew Dr Shannon for more than 40 years, said: “He was one of the city’s outstanding personalities over a period of more than 50 years.

“He was an unfailing gentleman.

“He held strong and deep beliefs and accepted the challenge of promoting conservation at times when it was not fashionable to do so. The city has lost a redoubtable champion.”

Trust director Peter Brown said Dr Shannon had been “full of ideas and enthusiasm”.

Mr Brown said: “He was a great enthusiast and very determined, and he happened to be a fantastic public speaker.

“He could hold an audience in his hands.”