Born in Hawes, Mr Cockett continued the family bakery and butcher's shop, started in 1854 by his great-grandfather, but was probably equally well-known for his Hawes Amateur Operatic Society productions, which played to full houses for more than 30 years.

John was a pupil at Yorebridge Grammar School, where he took leading roles in school plays. When he was 14 he joined Hawes Drama Club, before going off to do his national service in the Royal Air Force. From 1955, John's path in life could have taken him in several directions. He could have trained as a teacher, having gained a place at college. An application for RADA was filled in but never sent. Instead, he stayed at home and helped run the family business, making it the success it is today.

His career with HAOS spanned almost four decades as producer/director and very often as actor. He set high standards, for himself just as much as for everyone else, finally giving up "juvenile leads" at the age of 48 recognising, after a lifetime in the butchery trade, that one cannot sell mutton dressed as lamb.

No, No Nanette, Merry Widow, Fiddler on the Roof, Me and My Girl, The Desert Song, Annie Get Your Gun, Salad Days and Brigadoon were just some of the shows enjoyed by audiences from up and down the Dale.

John also played in several shows with Richmond Operatic Society, where he met his wife, Sheila. They were married in 1969 and went on to have three children, Louise, David and Daniel.

John also served the community as a Market House trustee and as a Market Tolls trustee.

A family man, John was very proud of his children and grandchildren, Adam and Dylan. His family were a great support to him and Sheila during his illness. The many cards and letters received by the family are a measure of the esteem in which John was held by all who knew him.

St. Margaret's Church in Hawes was packed with friends and family for a service to celebrate his life last month.

We apologise for the inadvertent inclusion of text from another story in an earlier version of this article.