TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Workington Reds director who was 'generous by nature' and highly respected by those he worked with.

David Cumberworth, 84, died last week in University Hospital, North Tees after suffering a second stroke. He had been admitted in early February after his first stroke.

Born in Workington in 1939 he started work down the mines at the age of 14 when the family was living in the now demolished Bell Street, a stone’s throw from Borough Park.

From a young age he had a massive interest in astronomy and space, spending hours in his attic on Bell Street peering through his telescope.

His future wife June lived in Ashington so in the early 1960’s David travelled regularly over to the north-east to see her. They were married in 1963 and had 45 years together before she died 16 years ago.

Son Roy was born in Workington in 1965, when the family lived on Schoose Farm for a while, before David found a job working for Hawker Sidley at Spadeadam near Brampton.

This was where his thirst for travel started and he travelled to French Guiana, working with the European Space Agency for a few months.

His two daughters Angela (1967) and Tracey (1970) were both born in Brampton.

An opportunity to work as a planning engineer for a company in Stockton-on-Tees came about in 1974, which he took, and was when the family left Cumbria.

This job allowed him to travel the world, and he spent significant time in South Africa, Canada, America, Taiwan, Brazil over his working career.

His travelling stopped when June passed away but he continued to work for a couple of years after her death.

He was always passionate about Workington Reds and followed them from his childhood but became more interested when he retired.

It was his attendance at an FA Cup-tie between Guisborough and the Reds in 2013 which eventually led to him being invited onto the Workington board, although still living in the north-east.

He enjoyed this immensely and made notable contributions during his time as a director before family commitments caused him to stand down.

His other interests were seam trains and chess, while liking nothing better in later years than a stroll to the local pub and a chat with the regulars.

Intelligent, witty, with a dry sense of humour, David wasn't afraid to take on new experiences, treated everyone with dignity, as equals and with respect. He was by nature generous and highly respected by anyone who worked with him.

A suitable tribute will be held at the next Workington home game.

The funeral of former Workington Reds director David Cumberworth is being held at St. Bede’s Chapel, Teesside Crematorium, Acklam next Tuesday, March 26.