Tributes have been pouring in to a local legend who dedicated his life to his Northumberland community after his sudden death.
Nigel Baynes passed away at the age of 63 following an accident at Baynes Coaches in Allendale. It happened on Thursday night.
A local business owner and a retained firefighter, Nigel was well-known throughout the Allen Valleys. He was involved in countless organisations and community events in and around the village.
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He joined his father's travel business, Baynes Travel, in the 1970s and remained at the helm until his death. Nigel was also the chairman of the Allendale Drama Group and starred as the village's long-serving pantomime dame. He also founded the Allendale Fair in 1983.
Nigel Baynes, who was a Firefighter at Allendale Fire Station, died on Thursday, March 10, following an accident whilst off-duty.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Graeme Binning said: “It is with the deepest sorrow we can confirm the death of Firefighter Nigel Baynes.
“Nigel was a pivotal, popular, and respected member of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s Allendale crew, and has been since he joined the service in 1980. This length of service is a clear example of Nigel's commitment and dedication in providing a service to his community.
“He will not only be missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, he was also a key and prominent figure within the Allendale community. Our thoughts, best wishes and focus are now with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
“Our focus at this stage is to support Nigel’s family and the crew at Allendale Fire Station.”
Cllr Colin Horncastle represents Allendale on Northumberland County Council and is Chair of the Fire Authority. He said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Nigel Baynes.
“Nigel was extremely well-known in his local community, not just for his work with the fire service, but for everything else he did for the people of Allendale and surrounding areas. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
Flags at Fire Stations across Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service will fly at half mast until Monday morning as a sign of respect and mourning.
A tribute was also issued by Allendale Fire Station's Facebook page. It read: "We have not felt able or it appropriate to comment before now but here goes.
"On Thursday night, your Allendale crew were called out to an incident. This time it was one of the worst types of call out anyone in any emergency service can receive……to one of their own. We quickly responded to the scene but our efforts were to be in vain.
"On that night, we lost not just a cherished, popular and much loved colleague, but a friend, a brother and a father figure to Allendale, the local area, our crew and the wider embraces of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service. We are heartbroken to say the least.
"Rest assured, Nigel was treated with respect, dignity and love throughout this tragic event not only by his team but by the paramedics and the police.
"We were privileged to be allowed to give Nigel a guard of honour as he left, which was one of the most difficult things imaginable. He would have been proud but I’m sure would have had a quick quip too.
"We would like to express our sincere thanks to our colleagues in our control room who had to take the call and mobilise the team, and the crews from Hexham and headquarters who attended the incident to help and support us at this horrific time.
"Also to the paramedics from North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and officers from Northumbria Police who treated Nigel and us all with compassion and respect.
"A massive thank you goes out to you all too. In your own time of loss and grief, you have taken the time to say hello, give hugs or just smile at us. Your caring and compassion, not only to us but each other is astounding.
"Our thoughts, just like yours, are with Nigel’s family, especially Wendy, Max and Molly, and we wish them all the love in the world.
"Rest in peace Nigel."
A spokesman for the North Ambulance Service said: "We received a call from the fire service at quarter-past ten on Thursday to assist with an incident at Baynes Coaches.
"We dispatched a community paramedic and an officer but were not needed on the scene."
Northumbria Police said officers attended the scene at the location, but that the incident had been passed to the Health and Safety Executive and no more information could be provided while the executive was investigating.
The Health and Safety Executive have been contacted for comment.
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