The funeral of a man who dedicated his life to helping young people will be held next week.

Billy Robson, who ran Delta North in Consett, will be laid to rest on Friday, May 24, following a service at Our Lady and St Joseph’s (Brooms) Church in Leadgate, near Consett, at 1pm.

Billy, who was 68, died on May 3 following a battle with prostate cancer.

The father-of-five was well known and respected in the area for his work with young people at Consett YMCA and Delta North, which offers alternative education for those outside of mainstream school.

Billy, who was from Leadgate, lived in Consett with his wife Bernadette, and was a tireless campaigner for a leukaemia charity in memory of their much-loved son Lee.

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In statement about the funeral arrangements his family said: “We ask for family flowers only, but for Dad’s last fundraising effort for Lee we ask for donations to Bright Red’s Lee Robson patient care grant.

“We anticipate his funeral will be very busy so please be mindful where you park and car share where possible.

“Rest in eternal peace Dad, we love you.”