TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired Cumbrian art dealer who died after his mobility scooter overturned.

Roy Formby, of Grasmere, has been described as a gentleman who was polite, courteous and dignified.

He died on Thursday after his mobility scooter overturned on Red Bank Road at around 4pm while he was out with his nephew.

Mr Formby suffered a serious head injury and was airlifted to hospital but died later that evening.

He loved the Lake District and the outdoors and when walking became difficult, he enjoyed riding his specially adapted up-hill mobility scooter.

Born in Wigan, Mr Formby started out as a draughtsman and mechanical engineer for Worsley Mesnes Ironworks.

He was sent all over the country to repair colliery winding engines.

He left to set up his own cycling business in Wigan, Sam Mellings.

His love of the Lakes led him to also set up an art business in Grasmere.

Mr Formby, 87, was a respected and well-known member of the community who had been very active in the village of Grasmere over the years.

He was president and long-term member of Grasmere Village Society, a trustee for Great Cross Trust and a member of Probus.

His interests centred around his great love of the outdoors.

Mr Formby had also been a participating member of Wigan Wheelers, Ski Club of Manchester and Windermere Yacht Club. A keen walker and mountaineer at home and abroad, he scaled the high fells into his later years.

His family say he was blessed with a keen sense of humour and a "sheer determination which was reflected by his positive outlook throughout life".

A tribute from his family added: "He was a cherished, loyal and devoted husband, a much-loved uncle, great uncle and a friend to many. Roy will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Police, mountain rescuers and an air ambulance responded to the incident on Thursday.