THE untimely death has been announced of Crediton resident Tim Stone, locally known as “Animal Man” for his animal noise impersonations.

Tim was a one-time contributor to the “Crediton Courier”, advising the public on the weather and about his nature observations.

Close friend Sean Whalley, has written the following: “Few in Crediton or hereabouts can have failed to do a double-take at the ‘Mooing’ Wizard more-flying-than-cycling down its High Street, complete with faithful green parrot ’Joey’ perched on his shoulder - like some scene from a ‘Harry Potter’ film.

“I am of course talking about Tim Stone also affectionately known as Animal, who sadly and all too suddenly departed this world last week.

“To say he was a character doesn’t really cut the mustard as several of those abound.

“No, they ‘definitely’ broke the mould when they made Tim.

“Whilst he always went to considerable lengths to camouflage his serious side, I can reliably vouch there was much more to him than his public ’Court Jester’ persona. Tim in fact was nobody’s fool.

“He was also tough as a mule and cycled off to work each morning at the crack of dawn come rain, hail or shine.

“He leaves his lovely wife Alison and their two amazing children, Georgina and Kenny, who adored him and his maverick ways.

“His local ‘The Plymouth Inn’ will hang his picture with the epitaph ’Gone but NOT forgotten!’ and we will toast to absent friends.

“My late close companion ‘always’ lit up the room with his incessant good humour and levity AND of course, his signature Animal noises!”