THE community has paid tribute to a beloved Whitehaven man. 

Peter Howlett sadly passed away in June of this year at the age of 62. 

He was known by many people in the area and would often be seen walking around the town centre speaking with passers-by and shop workers. 

Peter's funeral was held at St Mary's Church on Kells on Monday, July 8, and he has been laid to rest in Whitehaven Cemetery. 

His friends and family said: "He always liked helping the town, and in his earlier days he liked to help the fishermen on the boats. 

"The fishermen said that there was nothing that he wouldn't try but if he didn't like the job, he was given he wouldn't do it again. 

"They nicknamed him 'Peter Bottles' as he would go and collect all the bottles and take them back for the 2op's. 

"Peter used to sell newspapers for the town and he wouldn't stop until his bag was empty, even going into the local shops and pubs. Everyone in the town knew him. 

"He always talked about being friends with the police and if he ever saw anyone in trouble or needing help, he would let them know, as he thought it was a good thing to do. 

"Peter would regularly watch the TV show Heartbeat as it was his favourite programme."

"He liked to help out the drivers on the taxi rank, making sure that their customers queued up properly at nighttime."

Peter often visited Coral betting shop on King Street where he became well acquainted with the staff. 

In memory of Peter the staff and customers raised £430 for his funeral flowers, which they bought from Jean's Flower Shop on Lowther Street.

Stacey Carruthers, of Coral, said: "We knew him for about seven or eight years, we never let him gamble but he loved a demonstration on the gaming machines. 

"He was the first through the door every morning to see if we needed anything, he always loved helping us out, and all of the customers loved him. 

"All of the dogs that came in were well looked after as he'd get them to do tricks and reward them with treats. 

"He was like a member of the team and even called himself 'The Manager.'"