A NEIGHBOUR has paid tribute to a ‘cheerful’ Dales farmer who died following a fire at his remote farmhouse.

William Haygarth - know as Billy – was found by police officers at his house at Rivling, near Cowgill, after a passer-by raised the alarm.

John Aikrigg, who lived next door to Mr Haygarth for 60 years, said: “I just had him round the morning of the day it happened - it’s a huge shock. He was 83 but very full of life. Such a grand fellow. Everybody is absolutely gutted.”

It is believed a fire broke out in the living room of Mr Haygarth’s house some time on Sunday, January 8, but his body was not found until the next day.

The fire had already burned out by the time police and firefighters arrived.

Officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances and are now preparing a file for the coroner.

Sheep farmer Mr Haygarth lived alone and had never married but is believed to have family living in Dent, Kendal and Appleby.

Details of the incident only came to light yesterday in a Cumbria County Council press release about fire safety in remote areas.

Following the death, Cumbria is now offering free home fire safety visits around Cowgill and Dent to give advice and fit free smoke alarms. Details from 0800-358-4777.