TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a well-loved farmer and horseman who has died aged 70.

Tim Barnes, of Manor Farm in Stourport, passed away on Friday, April 5, following a heart attack.

His wife, Leander Walton, said he was "well known and loved" in the town throughout his life.

He was born on Elliotts Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton in 1953. His family was offered the tenancy of Manor Farm in Stourport and they moved there when he was three years old.

From a very early age he was heavily involved with the farm. Horses were his main passion and as a child he show jumped to a high level winning many prestigious titles.

As an adult he worked at the riding school at Manor Farm where he taught many people to ride.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mr Barnes was well known in the Stourport communityMr Barnes was well known in the Stourport community (Image: Family handout)

He also worked with a skip company, practised landscape gardening, and in 1995 he set up a horse laundry business to wash, reproof and clean rugs.

Mr Barnes and Leander also became "prolific" in the horse-showing world. Their greatest achievement was qualifying a home-bred three-year-old for the prestigious in-hand class at the horse of the year show.

She said: "Tim was a very kind, considerate and hard-working man and when observing the comments made on Facebook it is very clear that he was highly regarded and loved.

"The equestrian world and the town of Stourport has lost one of its very best.

"He passed on Friday 5th April after a short hospital stay post-heart attack.

"Myself and the wonderful paramedics were able to bring him back with CPR but unfortunately the damage was too severe and I had to make the decision to let him go.

"He has been a part of the Stourport community for 65 years and is very well-known and loved in the town.

"The farm is a sadder and quieter place without him".

Kidderminster Shuttle: Tim and Leander with their trophiesTim and Leander with their trophies (Image: Family handout)

She thanked people for their "tremendous" support and added that it is a "great comfort to see just how much he was loved".

Many left messages of condolence on the We Love Stourport on Severn Past and Present Facebook page.

Sally Birch said: "I have lots of great memories of both Tim and his mum when I learned to ride at the stables and later on had my horse on livery at the farm.

"He was a fountain of knowledge with the horses and I learned so much from him. A very sad loss of a great man".

Pete Spencer said: "Sorry to hear this, a lovely and hard-working guy. I remember Tim and his parents when I grew up near the farm".

Helen Postle added: "So sorry for your loss. He was a lovely man, always enjoyed a chat with him".

Mr Barnes' funeral will be held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Thursday, May 9.