Tributes have been paid to Appleby Town Council's sword bearer and pillar of the community, Peter Jones.

The 77-year-old passed away unexpectedly on October 10.

Peter moved to Appleby at the age of 18, relocating from London with his father, where they had been associated with Martin Holmes of Castle Bank, the former curator of the London Museum.

Throughout his life, he had various roles in the community including a postman before taking on the role of 'good-humoured and efficient barman at the King's Head'  and also helped out at the Hare & Hounds.

He would go on to serve as Appleby Town Council's sword bearer during ceremonial occasions until 2023. 

Peter’s sister, Yvonne Young, described Peter as ‘the best brother ever’. 

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“There wasn’t a kinder or more generous person that god put breath in this planet. He would do anything for anybody, the word no wasn’t in his dictionary.

“He made friends with everybody wherever he went.

“Peter was always happy living in Appleby, he loved visiting family down south but he was always happy when he was back home. He took to Appleby and Appleby took to him,” she said.

Mayor of Appleby, Pamela Davidson, said: "Peter was highly regarded by Appleby Town Council and will be sorely missed.

"He was very proud of his historic role as sword bearer and served successive Mayors of Appleby with dignity and honour.

"Our thoughts at this time are with Peter's family."

Paying tribute to Peter following his passing, a spokesperson for Appleby Town Council said: “He lived in retirement in one of the Anchor bungalows on Glebe Road, where he was loved and respected by his fellow residents for his kindness and involvement in communal activities.

“Always happy to serve the community, Peter was for many years Appleby Town Council's sword bearer on ceremonial occasions,” they said.

A service for Peter was held at St Lawrence's Church, Appleby, on October 31st with donations going towards the RNLI and the church.