A much-loved fixture of Worcester’s riverside scene for decades has died.

John Morris, who ran Pitchcroft Boating Station in Barbourne for decades, died on January 1 aged 90.

He had worked at his boating business, which had been in the family for more than 60 years right up until the summer of 2014.

Mr Morris was born on a dairy farm in rural Staffordshire in 1927, and moved to Worcester with his family in the 1940s.

After National Service he met his wife Jean, with whom he was married for 62 years – the couple had four children, Stuart, who has since died, Lorna, Jacqueline and Jillian, and two grandchildren, Scarlett and Lois.

A skilled engineer, mechanic and boatbuilder, Mr Morris worked at Metal Box in Worcester while also helping out his brother Phillip and father Sid with the boating business.

Eventually he took over the business on the river from his father – at one point the family had 80 boats on the river, as well as running an 80-seater passenger cruiser and paddle boats from near Worcester Bridge.

Mr Morris made many of his boats himself, from wood and later fibreglass and on his retirement a few years ago expressed his connection to and deep love for the river and its wildlife.

The business was extremely popular with people returning every year to hire a boat.

Mr Morris’ granddaughter Lois said: “People came from as far afield as New Zealand year after year.

"It was almost a pilgrimage for some; even after retiring from hiring he was still getting requests for boat hire.”

Mr Morris mechanical skills and understanding meant he was able to help many people.

Lois said: “John would fix engines that many others tried to with no avail. He had a special gift for hearing and knowing just what was wrong and would work tirelessly and methodically to get them running smooth again.

“He helped many people in distress on the Severn and in the surrounding area, from pulling horse boxes with mud up to the axles on the race course to saving many a boat from breaking up against Worcester city bridge or on the weir at Diglis - he even received an award from the local police for life saving.”

Mr Morris’ funeral Service will be held at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday, January 18th, at 1.45 p.m. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired for either the RNLI or the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, may be left in the collection box available at the service.