'Pete was full of fun and kindness'

Tributes paid to original Star Biker after death aged 73

- Yasmin Sarwar

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the caring bikers who helped set up the Potteries’ famous toy and egg runs.

Peter Woolley, who has died aged 73, was a well-known figure in the Star Bikers charity.

Its collections for disadvantaged families take place annually at Easter and Christmas - with the 47th festive event set to take place this year.

Peter - known as Burl due to his likeness to singer and actor Burl Ives - helped set up the initiative alongside fellow bikers Phil and Les Wade, Lindon Ryles and Chris Bloor of Harley Riders SOT.

Now wife-of-42 years Deb Woolley has led tributes to Pete who died after a yearlong battle with motor neurone disease.

She said: “Pete was hilarious. He was a storyteller - sometimes true, sometimes not - like the time he told our neighbour that the sheep across the field from our house were ‘burrowing sheep’

“She was telling her visitors that for years!”