VILLAGERS pitched in for a spruce-up in memory of a much-loved father who took pride in where he lived.

Daniel Shaw, of Burneside, died suddenly from a stroke at the age of 57 in June leaving behind his wife Amanda, and four children Rebecca, Samuel, Ben and Josh.

To mark what would be his 58th birthday on September 15 the community came out in force and put together a tribute in recognition of his ‘little foibles’.

Mr Shaw hated seeing grimy signs around the village and would often clean them while he was out walking the dog.

Close friend Trish Holladay wanted to do a little surprise for Mrs Shaw as a way of showing the village’s support during this difficult time.

“It was a silly idea that had suddenly gone mad,” she said. “We wanted to do something so we could show Amanda that we would all be thinking of him on his birthday.

“He was a very special man and he is really missed. Perhaps this idea might turn out to be a yearly tradition in the village.”

More than 30 people took part in the tribute and found a dirty sign to clean.

In the community Mr Shaw was known among many as ‘DJ Dan’ and he would spend his free time Djing at a number of events in the village.

This included the opening of Ford Bridge at the start of June as well as school discos.

“I think it says a lot about the village,” said Mrs Shaw. "Since his death we’ve had so much support, love and kindness from everyone. It has been overwhelming. It is times like this when you appreciate being part of a great community.

“To see the photos of everyone that took part was really lovely and I wanted to say thank you, and to see the young children also helping out was very touching.”

Mr Shaw's daughter Rebecca is doing her first half marathon in November to raise money for the Stroke Association in memory of her Dad and has raised more than £1,500.

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