Allum Manor has paid tribute to its head caretaker who has died at the age of 64 following an illness.

The board of trustees said it was "greatly saddened" to report the passing of Micheal Wickes on Saturday January 15.

Mr Wickes had been Allum Manor's head caretaker for 12 years and had been a local hero in the Borehamwood and Elstree community.

Dr Ann Goddard, the chairman of the board of trustees, said: "Over the years as our resident caretaker, Micheal worked tirelessly, becoming a 'landmark' at Allum Manor and a local character.

"His contribution to the success of the Gratitude Foodbank hosted at Allum Manor was recognised officially by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire when in July 2020 he designated Micheal as a Hero of Hertfordshire.

"I can personally testify to his willing support for all my NSPCC events. Micheal was a good friend to us all and leaves us his extraordinary legacy of service."

Borehamwood Times: left to right: Tony Battison, Micheal 'Mick' Wickes, Terry Skutela, and Lloyd Murphy from Allum Manorleft to right: Tony Battison, Micheal 'Mick' Wickes, Terry Skutela, and Lloyd Murphy from Allum Manor

Mr Wickes also played a vital role over the last year or so when Allum Hall was converted into a vaccination clinic.

Dr. Alex Byrne, head of the federation of local GP practices at the vaccination clinic, said: "Mick really was one in a million, a man with an enormous heart. From the first day we met, his boundless energy and enthusiasm was evident; he would find ways to help with any problem, and nothing was too much trouble.

"He was out in the snow and rain helping the volunteers direct traffic (despite everybody’s attempts to drag him back inside!), he’d leap to find or mend anything, he was up at the crack of dawn to open up for us, always happy to answer queries from the public.

"We will miss his gentle nature and quiet humour desperately."