HEARTFELT and emotional tributes have been paid by a whole community to the man known as “Mr Pocklington”.

Alfie Hutchinson, 65, passed away following a short illness, prompting hundreds of tributes, and even calls for the town’s library to be named in his honour.

Leading the tributes was Alfie’s long-term carer, Ann Simpson, of Sherbutt House Residential And Care Home Services. She described him as “one of the nicest people who ever walked the earth”.

“I have known him for 19 years and cared for him for the past 12,” she said.

“He had no enemies and was a genuine person. Nobody will fill his shoes.

“Since he passed away, people have been telling me how lucky I was to have him in my life.”

Mr Hutchinson was also well-known to a number of businesses in the town, becoming a regular at many.

Ellen Herd, of The Feathers Hotel, in Market Place, said: “He was part of Pocklington. He came in here for a coffee every day. He was Pocklington’s character for many years.”

Jeff Shepherd, owner of Pocklington Cobblers, said: “He lived in Pocklington all his life and I understand he only ever left once, but was keen to get back. I have started a memorial fund to get a memorial for him in the town.”

As news of Mr Hutchinson’s death spread through the town, a tribute page was set up on social networking site Facebook, attracting more than 1,200 members.

Leigh Johnson wrote: “For years you have brought smiles to people’s faces. The town will seem a different place without you patrolling the streets offering words of wisdom.”

Mr Hutchinson’s funeral will take place at 3pm at All Saints’ Church, Pocklington, on Monday.