Tributes have been paid to a keen botanist and gardener from Earby, who died on Sunday.

Peter Bullock, 74, was born on January 11, 1940, the second youngest of six children born to William and Leah (Molly) Bullock.

A former pupil of Giggleswick School, Peter lived in Settle until he married Dorothy Smith at St Mary’s Church, Carleton, in 1965.

The couple moved to Bootle, near Liverpool, and lived there for 15 years before moving Earby in 1979.

Mr Bullock worked with the Inland Revenue, starting in Skipton, followed by 15 years in Bootle before finishing his career back in Skipton.

A member of the Wild Flower Society, Mr Bullock was chairman of Earby and District Gardeners Society and grew his own vegetables. He also served as both chairman and secretary of the Earby Horticultural Show.

His gardening society colleague, David Hartley, of Earby, said: “His loss will be a massive blow to the society.

“Peter was always proud of going to Giggleswick School and studying Latin, which was very helpful with his botany interests.”

A passionate supporter of Wharfedale Rugby Club, Mr Bullock also enjoyed going on long walks with his dog, Scott. He frequently walked the Three Peaks.

Mr Bullock is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two daughters, Elizabeth Dickinson and Susan Barnes, son-in-laws, Graham and Paul, and three grandchildren, Amy, Daniel and Alex. His family said that he would be “sadly missed by his family, friends and the wider community”.