Tributes have been paid to naturalist and TV presenter David Bellamy OBE who has died at the age of 86.

Susan Southworth, from Oakhurst Garden Centre, Cockermouth, was involved with the Allerdale Red Squirrel Group calendar fundraising and paid tribute to Mr Bellamy after meeting him and his wife Rosemary on several occasions for the launch of calendars.

She said: “He first came to Mary Birkett’s at Isel Hall in 2011 and went to Hundith Hill for the launch, then he came for several years to support the group.

“He was a gentleman, very nice, everyone liked him. His wife was also lovely.

“It was really sad to hear of his death and Allerdale Red Squirrel Group are very grateful for the money he raised.

“He has left a legacy. His conservation work will continue.”

Susan said: “Mr Bellamy liked to come over to Cumbria. There are not many that would give their time for nothing.”

The veteran botantist died on Wednesday.

He was a household name due to his extensive work as a botanist and his devotion to conservation and charity projects, founding a Conservation Foundation with David Shreeve to inspire, enable and celebrate positive environmental action.