HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to 'The Midnight Butcher' who spent all hours of the day going above and beyond for others.

Mike Barber, of Grange, died peacefully of cancer at St Mary's Hospice with his family by his side on October 1.

The 69-year-old was a beloved husband of Jill and much loved dad of David and Stewart.

Mr Barber worked in the family-business Procters Butchers in Kents Bank Road, Grange for 51 years before selling the shop to enjoy his retirement last year.

His long-serving commitment and dedication to helping customers at any hour of the day led to locals fondly referring to Mr Barber as 'The Midnight Butcher'.

After leaving Cartmel School, Mr Barber joined his father's butcher business which he eventually took over in later years.

His wife, Jill Barber, said her husband was known throughout town as a devoted butcher who went above and beyond for customers - no matter the hour or request.

She said: "If it was late on a Saturday night and you'd just been told you had unexpected guests on the Sunday, Mike would make sure you were sorted.

"He would be in the shop at 7am and be home for 1am - he worked incredible hours.

"It didn't matter if it was a large hotel, or a customer looking for a pound of mince for a dinner party, he made sure to treat every customer the same.

"He enjoyed his job and loved making time for people.

"He loved everything about Grange.

"He would always do what he could for you and made sure everyone had what they needed."

Mr Barber had celebrated 50 years at the butchers in 2019 before eventually retiring in March last year.

"It's upsetting he didn't get to enjoy more of retirement," Mrs Barber said.

"In April 2020, he caught Covid and managed to get over that. He was just starting to enjoy retirement.

"He would walk around Grange talking to every person he met - he could talk for England.

"He had all sorts of plans for retirement, it's just a shame he couldn't enjoy it because he deserved it after working so hard.

"He was such a caring father and devoted butcher. He's left a huge whole in our lives."