A local legend well-known for driving his traditional horse-drawn carriages at events across the area has died, aged 82.
Mick Gorry was a much-loved and respected figure in the Lancaster and Morecambe District, who established two long-running family businesses.
Over the years, Mick could be seen regularly driving his horses at weddings, funerals, proms and other family occasions, from his company Downyfield Carriages.
He was always recognisable, dressed immaculately in traditional coachman wear including his trademark top hat.
Mick also founded JM Gorry & Son, a successful haulage firm which has been in business for more than 55 years.
John Michael Gorry was born on Maple Avenue in Morecambe on October 27 1943 to parents Joe and Gladys.
As a boy he attended Sandylands Primary School and Balmoral Road Junior School.
His love of horses began when he worked with his father, on his horse and flat lorry, delivering to bakeries on Euston Road and throughout the Morecambe area.
Mick Gorry
Joe also used to drive landaus for tourists on Morecambe Promenade, and Mick would often accompany his dad and his good friend Jack Stamper, a legend of the town famed for his landau and charabanc business.
He'd spend many hours going up and down the Promenade when the Morecambe Illuminations were on, riding with landaus and charabancs.
Mick was a motor mechanic by trade, beginning an apprenticeship after leaving Balmoral Road school at 15 years old in 1958, then going on to work for several years in local garages.
Mick met his wife of 64 years, Barbara, in a coffee bar on Queen Street in Morecambe.
They were married in 1962 and had three children, Shaun, Elaine and June.
After Mick started to work as a lorry driver and bought his first tipper lorry, this began his career in the road haulage business.
His transport company JM Gorry & Son was established in 1969 and has been based for many years on the White Lund Industrial Estate.
Mick's son Shaun joined him in the business and it remains family-run to this day.
Mick and Shaun in the early years of JM Gorry & Son
Mick bought Downyfield Farm at Middleton from ICI in the late '80s and lived there for the rest of his life.
He stabled his first horse at Heysham Head, owned by his close friend the local businessman Freddie Edmondson, and would go on to own a large number of horses.
"His horses were his pride and joy," said his daughter Elaine.
"More than simply a hobby for him, they were part of who he was."
Mick established his Downyfield Carriages business at the farm, developing an extensive collection of horse drawn vehicles and providing horse drawn carriage and classic car hire services, as well as livery stables.
The company has grown to be one of the largest providers of horse-drawn carriage hire in the North West, and will continue to be run by the Gorry family.
Mick was very proud of Downyfield Carriages' reputation for quality, tradition, and attention to detail, and ensured all the horses, carriages and coachmen were turned out to the highest possible standards.
They appeared at many local events, including Morecambe Carnival where the Rose Queen would ride in his carriage during the parade.
Mick Gorry driving a horse-drawn carriage
Mick also starred as an extra when the TV series Poirot famously came to film in the town in 1989, appearing as a Morecambe Bay shrimp fisherman with his horse Blackie.
His horses were also used in a documentary production to celebrate the centenary of the great Victorian poet, John Ruskin.
Mick was a dedicated member of the Freemasons for more than 30 years and part of the City of Lancaster Lodge, and served on the bench at Lancaster as a magistrate for many years.
In 2023, JM Gorry & Son was recognised for its contribution to the Morecambe area, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 'Best of the Bay' awards run by Lancaster & Morecambe Newspapers.
Away from his work, Mick was a devoted family man.
He loved holidaying at Butlins when his children were younger, then cruises, coach trips and going away with Barbara in his caravan, and being with their 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
His daughter June said: "Behind the businessman exterior laid a very, very devoted husband, father and grandfather."
Elaine said: "He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
"We used to have big barbecues up at the farm, amazing parties with up to 100 people, with singers and Irish dancers, raising money for various charities."
Mick Gorry
In later life Mick could also often be seen driving his lawnmower or roadsweeper around the farm and area nearby.
"He loved to keep the area tidy, he was very proud of it," said Elaine.
Many tributes have been paid to Mick since his death in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on June 23.
They included posts of tribute on the Morecambe and Heysham Past and Present page.
One said: "Mick was a lovely man. We enjoyed every second of our time with him."
And another said: "What a lovely man he was.
"It was 20 years ago yesterday that he took my daughter to church on her wedding day in a magnificent carriage pulled by two beautiful horses.
"Only last week we were looking at the photos. A treasured memory."
And another said: "My dad worked for Mick for years and he did my wedding horse and carriage.
"He was a true gent."
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