Less than a month after celebrating his diamond wedding, Tom Parfitt, from Camerton, has died at Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, at the age of 83.

Mr Parfitt, who was diagnosed with cancer in January 2008, had found it increasingly hard going during the last year of his life.

Mr Parfitt attended the school in Camerton before going on to Timsbury Secondary Modern.

He spent 33 years of his working life in the local pits before they closed, at which time he went on to Purnells and Ernest Ireland's.

Together with his wife Olive, he took an active role in raising money for the building of the Camerton Community Hall. In his younger days, Mr Parfitt played football for Camerton and Tunley Athletic and shove-halfpenny for the Star Inn, which used to be in Tunley.

Until ill health forced him to give up, he was a keen gardener and enjoyed horse racing and most other sports on the television.

Mr Parfitt is survived by his wife Olive, whom he married on February 12, 1949, his three children, Lynda, Pauline and Steve, four grandchildren, Alix, Ashley, Joanna and Hayley and three great-grandchildren, Tayla, Regan and Toby. His eldest son Alan has died.

The funeral service at Haycombe Crematorium was conducted by former Timsbury Tabor Church pastor Eric Barge.

In recognition of the great help offered by Dorothy House in the closing days of Mr Parfitt's life, his widow is hoping to raise money for the organisation by selling the baby booties she has made.

She is rapidly running out of four-ply wool, however, and is appealing for anyone who could donate some of any colour to get in touch with her on 01761 470046.

Mrs Parfitt said: "Tom was a great family man who got on well with everyone. He loved children and spoilt his great-grandchildren".

Malcolm Tucker