A KEEN cyclist and storyteller has died while he was cycling in Herefordshire.

Andy Hunter was cycling in Michaelchurch Escley when he was found at the side of the road next to his bike on Monday, January 5.

The 60-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics- he died from heart failure.

Mr Hunter grew up at The Bridge Farm on the Michaelchurch Court Estate with sister, Rosemary and parents, Michael and Claire Hunter. His sister said it was a wonderful childhood surrounded by animals.

He moved to Edinburgh in 1978 and had returned to Herefordshire to attend the funeral of Freda Smith- the widow of Trevor who had been Mr Hunter’s father’s farm foreman and also ran The Bridge Inn, which his father owned.

He was cycling to Michaelchurch to attend the funeral where he was due to meet his sister, Rosemary, and afterwards they were going to meet up with friends and villagers from the county.

Mr Hunter worked for 25 years in social services and retired in 2009 from working as a day services manager for Garvald Edinburgh, which provides services for adults with learning disabilities.

In 1981 Mr Hunter formed the Edinburgh Community Trust (now Forth Sector) with the aim of creating work for disadvantaged people.

Over ensuing years it has provided training, support and employment to some of the most disadvantaged people in society through its businesses.

He had been a storyteller for 20 years and a member of the Scottish Storytelling Network since 1998.

In 2008 he set up his own company, Storybikes, where he combined his love of cycling and storytelling.

He did guided cycle tours, telling stories that were connected with the places and landscapes.

Andy was adored by his wife, Anne; a devoted father to Jacinta (from his first marriage to Lucy) and his late son Michael Benedict (from his second marriage with Anne); and a magical uncle to Alastair and Claire (children of heartbroken sister, Rosemary).

His funeral will be held at Polwarth Parish Church in Edinburgh on January 23 at 11am.

There will be a thanksgiving service for his life at St. Michael’s Church, Michaelchurch Escley at 12.30pm on Friday, April 24.