'A huge loss': Tributes paid to villager Les from Barrow

A villager’s death has been described as a ‘huge loss’ to the community and tribute paid to a real ‘character.’

Les Hopton, well-known in the Barrow area, died aged 80, on August 9, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1940 in Rayleigh, Essex, Les moved to Suffolk in his late teens, settling and staying in Barrow for around 60 years.

During his years in the village, he became known for working for the parish and running village fetes, as well as helping to start a youth club.

John Pearson, Barrow Parish Council leader, said: “He did an awful lot of work in the village for free. He would have thought nothing of taking the gates from the cemetery home and brushing them and painting them down with no cost to the village.”

“It is a huge loss to the village and he will be missed by all.”

As well as helping out in the community, Les was a keen poet and author, writing two books in his lifetime and a number of poems which he regularly posted on social media.

Les’s granddaughter, Chelsey Somers, is walking 10,000 steps every day in September to raise money for East of England Ambulance Service for the support they gave her grandad.

She said: “I’m going to miss my grandad, he was definitely a character and I was lucky to have had 37 years with him.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leshopton