TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of Little Sutton life.

Joe Bennion, 90, passed away last week while being cared for at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Ian Grove, editorial team co-ordinator of the book Little Sutton Memories, published earlier this year, wrote a tribute to him.

He said: "It was very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Joe last week whilst being cared for in The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

"I’m sure that there will be many ‘Suttonites’ who will mourn his passing and remember the extraordinary contribution he made to the well-being of the village, particularly with his involvement with the United Reform Church of St George.

"Joe was one of the ever-increasing number of nonagenarians in the village, having been born in May 1928 and acknowledged as a pillar of society with his voluntary service allied to his church.

"I would have to admit that my association with Joe is very limited and only dates back to February 2015, so I’m not really qualified to write a life-long obituary in his favour. However, in the short time I knew him he had a significant effect on my life and those five other members of the ‘Little Sutton Memories’ editorial team.

"Some years past, Joe decided to commit to paper his recollections, memories and anecdotes of his life in Little Sutton. His writings were a springboard for his subsequent public presentations and proceeded to attend local clubs, societies and public gathering to give talks on the topic.

"It was in February 2015 that Joe gave a detailed account of his recollection to members of The Ellesmere Port Local and Family History Society which was so inspiring that I recall stating to my friend and neighbour John King that, as ‘Suttonites’ ourselves, we could not allow the occasion to pass by without formally recording the content.

"It was some months later that we learnt that the same talk was to be given to the U3A Group which provided us with the ideal opportunity to record and film the event, which we duly did.

"It was from this recording which provided the inspiration, enthusiasm and indeed the very bedrock of its content that caused me to request funding from the history society, which was duly awarded, such that the ‘Little Sutton Memories’ publication is now history.

"For those who have not as yet been able to secure a copy of this publication where much reference is afforded to Joe and his family, being one of two blacksmiths families in the village, located at the top of Smithy Lane, where the Co-op Funeral Services is now located.

"Joe’s contribution to the book was unlimited and much the better for it, such that on the evening of the book launch in June this year, the editorial team decided to present a personalised copy in recognition of his extensive and most valuable contribution.

"On behalf of the editorial team I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Joe’s wife, Marjorie and her entire family at the loss of an extraordinary man who will be long remembered and revered."

Joe Bennion's funeral is at St George's Church, Little Sutton, on January 10 at 1pm.