TRIBUTES have been paid to town stalwart Peter Atkins, former chair of North Berwick In Bloom, North Berwick Probus Club and North Berwick Gardening Club, after he died aged 78.

Mr Atkins, who passed away on April 3, moved to North Berwick from Essex in 1996 with wife Christine and threw himself into community life, firstly by putting his name down to join North Berwick Golf Club.

He was an avid fan of the game, finding the pace more suitable than rugby union, which he played in his younger days. His real passion, however, was gardening.

Mr Atkins was heavily involved with North Berwick Gardening Club and North Berwick in Bloom, participating in and often organising some of the permanent features around the town including the wooden Ben Sayers statue at the edge of the west links putting green and the train made from barrels at North Berwick station.

He also regularly entered both flowers and produce into North Berwick Horticultural Society’s summer show, and presented the Peter Atkins Trophy that he himself dedicated to the group to winner Susan Crooks at the spring bulb show at the end of last month.

Ann Jones, a committee member at North Berwick Gardening Club, said: “The club was always on the look out for new members – it still is – and Peter thought a good way to do it was to dedicate a trophy to a new award that was more accessible to newcomers as well as serious gardeners.

“He was a truly lovely man and a treasured member of the club.”

As former chair and treasurer of the town Probus club and member of North Berwick Art Group over the years, Mr Atkins also helped out at various events in the town, including North Berwick Highland Games.

Ian Goodall, current Probus chair, said: “I first made friends with Peter soon after we moved to North Berwick in 2012, a relatively short time ago compared with the many years over which Peter made such a tremendous contribution in and to the town.

“Anyone I speak to, who was so lucky to have known him, says: ‘Peter was a really nice man.’ His dedication to everything he became involved in was unsurpassed locally.

“Over many years, his talents were freely given in support of many local organisations.

“Peter was amazingly skilled, talented and dedicated to everything he was involved in, and had a real pride supporting our community and demonstrating great commitment beyond the call of duty.

“We will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Peter for his everlasting contribution to us and our environment.”

His daughter Katie said: “My mother, brother Chris and I really appreciate everyone’s kind words about dad over this past week or so.

“He has certainly made a large and lasting impression on many of you as he has on us, his family.

“He will of course be sorely missed, but there are reminders of him everywhere. Thank you, North Berwick.”

Mr Atkins’ funeral service was held at Mortonhall Crematorium on Tuesday.