Edward Slack, Stan's next door neighbour in Eden Vale Estate, Horden, said he was "knocked for six" by the news of his death.

He said: "How could it happen to a decent bloke like that?

"It makes you wonder, what's the world coming to.

"He died asking them to have some common sense, and lessen the bad language."

The 67-year-old former parish councillor and ex-serviceman, who had lived next door to Stan for six years, added: "Stan had old fashioned values, same as me. I just can't figure what's gone wrong with this world. It used to be please and thank you, now it's anything but.
"Stan was as good to me as a brother."

He said Stan was always offering to help with odd jobs around the house.

Fixing cars had become a hobby of his and Edward added that Stan would often offer him a lift into Peterlee.

Doris Hepworth, 76, mum to Anne Fisher, Stan's fiancee, also paid tribute to Stan.

She said: "He was the best friend I had. He did not like any swearing. Everybody liked him."

Doris, who lives with Anne in Peterlee, said Stan would often come and visit, and she would go on holiday with the couple.

She said: "He would not hurt a fly. Anne could not have got anybody better."