TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved grandfather from Selby who died just yards from his home.

John Richardson was walking home from a night with friends on Friday, the night before his 59th birthday, when he collapsed in Leeds Road. A passer-by phoned an ambulance, but Mr Richardson was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at hospital.

Mr Richardson and his wife Averil whom he met in a Leeds nightclub 40 years ago lived in Selby, and had a daughter, Angela.

Mrs Richardson said: "He was a brilliant person, a gentleman who'd do anything for anyone. He was always happy.

"I can't put into words how loved he was. I've had so many cards from people which shows how well thought of he was. He never stopped working and could turn his hand to anything."

Mr Richardson worked at the Selby shipyard as a pipe fitter, and later ran several businesses, including a pool and snooker table re-covering service, and in 2000 started John Richardson Gas Services.

He was a keen rugby union, snooker and pool player and golfer. He and Averil were both Leeds Rhinos fans, and travelled to most home games, and also often went clay pigeon shooting together.

Mrs Richardson said their first grandchild, six-month-old Oliver, was "the apple of his eye".

She said: "John was really looking forward to life. We wanted to spend more time with Oliver and plan holidays. The last thing he did before he went out that night was to kiss Oliver. It's important to me to know that."

Angela said: "He adored Oliver and I'm glad he got to meet him. He's definitely not going to be forgotten. He wasn't just my dad, he was one of my best mates."

Mr Richardson had long-standing heart problems, and declined lifts on Friday before walking home.

Mrs Richardson, who retired from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service last year, said: "He'd got about 150 yards from home when he collapsed. It was sudden and quick, because he would have stopped and phoned me if he felt ill.

"There's some relief that it was quick, definitely. In some respects I wish he'd got home because I would have tried to save him myself, but the doctor said there was no way anyone could have saved him."

A service will be held for Mr Richardson at Selby Abbey on Wednesday, January 21, at 11am. All are welcome.