A former steel worker and popular member of Workington Ramblers has died at the age of 76.

Henry Adrian Williams, known as Adrian, moved to Workington to be a section manager for British Steel at Distington at the start of his career.

Born in North Wales, Mr Williams had gained a science degree at university in Leeds and a masters degree in Birmingham before coming to Workington as a metallurgist.

He lived in a shared house in Banklands and later moved in with a former housemate in Kelsick Park, Seaton.

After leaving the steelworks in 1981, Mr Williams worked for BNFL at Sellafield.

He was a staunch member of Workington Ramblers for many years and wrote the club's weekly notes for the press.

During the 1970s, he tackled the Lake District's four mountains of over 3,000ft in less than a day on several occasions.

One of his most treasured possessions was a plaque inscribed "4 x 3000 peaks marathon".

He was also a regular participant in the Workington to Keswick Charity Walk.

His former housemate Neil Shuttleworth said: "He continued to enjoy fell walking well into this millennium.

"He was well-loved, well liked and jolly good fun."

His younger brother Geoffrey said: "It was the work that attracted him to the area but he loved the countryside so much. We were born in the countryside.

"He used to take his exercise on the fells and he very much enjoyed the social side of fell walkers having a walk and then a few jars in the pub."

Having been born in a pub, Mr Williams enjoyed the social side of striking up conversations over a drink and was a regular at Station Road Working Men's Club.

His brother added: "He had a few jars in the pub every night. He liked having a few pints and enjoying himself.

"He was a genuine guy who got on with all that knew him. He loved the social side of life."

Mr Williams was also a keen animal lover, having had pet dogs and rabbits as a child.

He was also easily recognisable in a crowd, being 6ft 7in.

About six years ago he moved to Stilecroft Residential Home at Stainburn.

Having developed dementia and needing nursing care, he later moved to Riverside Court Care Home in Maryport.

He died there on January 14.

Mr Williams is survived by his brother Geoffrey and nephew Glen.

His funeral will take place at Distington Hall Crematorium on Monday at 2pm.

Donations in his memory can be made to the RSPCA c/o Eaves Funeral Service, Whitehaven.