Tributes have poured in following the death of a man who may not have been born here but became known as ‘Mr Maryport’.

Bill Barnes, health campaigner and tireless worker for his community, died on Monday at the age of 81.

Former Workington MP Sue Hayman said this week that without him, Maryport would not have the modern hospital facilities it has today.

He battled a congenital lung disease all his life but refused to let it stand in his way. It is only in the last few weeks that he was forced to give up some of his activities at the Ewanrigg community centre – which he had brought back to life.

Mrs Hayman said: “Bill was the definition of a tireless campaigner, and it was a privilege to work alongside him in the Save Our Beds campaign and in Ewanrigg.

“He was passionate about his community, and without him Maryport would not have the modern hospital facilities it has today.

“We supported each other during my time as MP, and I, along with his community, will miss him.”

Mr Barnes, with his wife Sharon, also resurrected the Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants and Residents Association (Entra) and turned a little-used centre into a vibrant community hub.

They inspired people to save money for annual holidays to Blackpool and ran cheap trips to the illuminations, to Christmas markets and more.

They held cooking classes for children, Bingo nights and Christmas parties for adults and children, catering for up to nearly 200 people.

Coffee and crack, a Tuesday event, attracted an average of 50 people who enjoyed a two-course lunch at minimum cost.

Mr Barnes came to the notice of a wider public when he launched and headed the Save Our Beds (SOB) campaign. The battle to save hospital beds here was eventually lost but it put Maryport on the map.

Chairman of the West Cumbria Breathe Easy group, Mr Barnes served West Cumbria in whichever way he could, leading to the many tributes received.

He worked as a draughtsman with the Maryport Urban Authority and continued with Allerdale when that district council was formed.

He and Sharon ran Barney’s, which later became the Curzon Grill and he was also a talented county level darts player.

County councillor Keith Little went to school with Mr Barnes who was born and raised in Siddick.

He said of his former school friend:”The work that he and Sharon have done for Ewanrigg has been absolutely fantastic, as was running the health campaign.He will be sadly missed.”

Maryport mayor Peter Kendall said: “Bill will be sadly missed. He did an awful lot for the community and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Those who knew him well were the Ewanrigg Local Trust team who worked with him at the centre on a daily basis.

Their tribute was: “The irreplaceable Bingo Bill is already a huge miss in the Maryport community. Bill defined the word community. Bill worked tirelessly to put on affordable and accessible activities in Ewanrigg Community Centre.

"He always had a good word to say about everyone, he never complained and when needed he led the good fight for this community. He recognised the need for people, ideas and activities to be gently nurtured until they bloom.

"There were so many things and people that Bill loved in this world and that volume of love is now being shown to Bill, Sharon and his family. We continue to be eternally grateful for all that Bill inspires.”

Tributes on social media described him as “the life of Maryport” and “the man who helped people to take dreams and make them happen.”

A service for Mr Barnes will be held at the Distington Crematorium tomorrow at 10.30am. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the District Nurses Fund.