A LARGER-THAN-LIFE Bridport auctioneer has just died aged 85.

John Stickland was born in Wiveliscombe, Somerset in 1930 and moved to Bridport in 1966 to take over the family auctioneering business, William Morey & Sons, operating from the old cattle market in St. Michael’s Lane and an office on the corner of King Street.

“Stickland” is an old Wessex name first recorded in 1545, and Mr Stickland's ancestral line can be traced back several centuries in Bridport.

For more than 30 years he played an active part in the Bridport community with a special interest in preserving its history and environment.

As chairman of the Civic Society he worked to save the Chantry in South Street, thought to be the oldest surviving building in the town.

His concerns about town centre traffic led him to the roof of the town hall with his Super 8 camera to film evidence that would support the construction of the Bridport bypass.

As a county councillor he was instrumental in achieving this and also the implementation of flood protection schemes and other environmental improvements.

His knowledge of Dorset, local history, farming and antiques made him a favourite speaker for the W.I. and other groups. He was involved in the Melplash Show for many years, commentating on the main ring events and announcing the winners. He was a great believer in supporting local businesses and buying local produce, especially Palmers beer.

Injured during National Service in his early 20s, John never let his disability prevent him from enjoying life, especially walking, caving, climbing and cycling. Unsuccessful hip surgery in the mid-90s left him in need of the support of his family so he and his wife Janet moved to Wiltshire where they have spent many happy years living with their daughter, Rebecca, and her family.

John always missed and loved to talk about Bridport, and to hear any news from the town. He was much loved by many people and will be sadly missed by Janet, their children (Andrew, Rebecca and Kate) and five grandchildren.

His daughter Kate said: "He was a real character and there will still be many local people who remember him.

"Before moving into the town centre we lived in Walditch and in the winter of 1978 heavy snow falls resulted in many villages being totally cut off for ages. The snow was so hard packed that even the snow ploughs couldn't get through.

"The Bridport News printed a brilliant photo of my father which I think got published on the front page of the Bridport news at this time - he had skied into town on some ancient wooden skis to check on his mother as our phone line was down due to the snow."