A MAN who gave out thousands of Christian leaflets to countless shoppers, residents and visitors over 20 years on Skipton High Street has sadly died.

Richard Tingey, who was 80 years old, died on January 4. Since 2003 he handed out almost two million leaflets in Skipton, not all of which were taken by passers-by; and he often engaged people in lively debate.

Rev Michael Hulland, minister at Skipton's Champions Church, said Richard was a very unique man whose absence on High Street would be missed.

His funeral service will take place next week with a eulogy written by Richard himself.

Richard, who also prepared the order of service for his funeral, was born in Islington, London, in 1943 during the Second World War.

He was 41 years old when he joined a coach trip to Ipswich Town Football Stadium to hear American evangelist Billy Graham talk about God.

The young Richard started work at the Post Office aged 16 and progressed to become 'executive engineer' which put him in charge of 'international private circuits'.

It was in this role that saw him working with MI5. Richard took early retirement aged 49 which gave him the time to re-evaluate his life and to understand how God had influenced his life.

He also began writing his own story 'Not My Will' for his children.

In retirement he served on the committee of the Northern Inter Schools Christian Union Craven Area; and was also a member of the Prison Fellowship, England and Wales. He was trained as a prison visitor, and often went into Strangeways to give the Christian message to prisoners.

He also helped organise a gospel concert in Grassington featuring Helen Shapiro and a 'March for Jesus' event in Skipton.

In his eulogy, Richard wrote how he wanted everyone to have a copy of one of his leaflets.

"The words on the leaflet were given to Richard by God, as a result of his request to Him."

Richard's funeral service will take place at St Andrew's Church, Newmarket Street, Skipton at 12.45pm on Friday January 26, followed by the committal at Waltonwray Cemetery, Skipton, at 2.30pm. Afterwards, his friends and family will gather for a buffet back at St Andrews Church.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Richard will go to Northern Inter School Christian Union and Christian Concern.

Richard leaves behind his wife, Louise; his son, Matthew, daughter-in-law,  Danielle and their sons,  Nate and Leo. Sarah the eldest, is married to Roger and they have a son Harvey, and daughter, Hannah. Richard's daughter, Mary, is married to Matthew Pawson.