A much-loved character who sold ice cream in Ryedale for more than 30 years has died at the age of 71.

George Stephenson, or "Mr Softee" as he became known to his many customers, died peacefully at his home in Ampleforth.

George's eldest daughter, Diana Goulton, said her father would be sorely missed.

"He was Ryedale's ice cream man for years and years and lots of people will know him," she said.

"He didn't just sell ice cream and lollies, he sold crisps and cigarettes, so a lot of people used to rely on him.

"He started work at Rowntree as it was known before the company was taken over by Nestl.

"Then in the 1960s he took up a job as an ice cream man which he held until his retirement about three years ago. After selling the stuff for so long you'd think he'd be an ice cream addict but he wasn't - I suppose you get sick of it after a while."

Mr Stephenson, who was born in Ryedale, came from a huge family of 11 brothers and sisters.

"He and my mum had seven children, he has 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild - I think there must have been something in those ice creams," said Mrs Goulton.

"He loved his job because he was pretty much his own boss and he enjoyed the contact with so many of his regular customers.

"When he wasn't working he liked to spend his time at the old Royal Oak, in Norton - it's now called the Derwent Arms. He was keen on horse-racing and loved playing darts."

Mr Stephenson's wife Phyllis died 13 years ago.

A funeral service will take place at St Peter's Church, in Norton, at 11am, followed by interment at Norton Cemetery.

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, April 24, 2001