Tributes after death of 'Mr Harrogate' who was much loved by one and all

Mike Hine, know with respect as "Mr Harrogate" fought ill health for many years but remained cheerful throughout and never gave up supporting the good causes he did so much for over the course of several decades, in particular, the restoration of the town's glittering Royal Hall.

Regarded by all who met him as a true gentleman, he was an essential part of Harrogate's fabric and leaves a huge legacy.

The Royal Hall Restoration Trust said it was very sad to learn of the loss of one of its founder members.

The Trust said: "Mike’s pride in and love and thirst for knowledge of Harrogate knew no bounds. During his many years as the council’s tourism manager, Mike fondly became known as ‘Mr Harrogate’ promoting his beloved town and extolling its virtues far and wide. A title he justly deserved.

"Mike retired in 2004 but it didn’t lead to him putting his feet up.

He threw even more energy into his many passions including charitable works as diverse as Harrogate Hospital Radio, Harrogate International Youth Music Festival and Talking Newspapers. And, of course, finding out and recording everything about his town.

Delighted Andrew Jones focused on local issues as he is once again elected to represent Harrogate and Knaresborough

"He loved to travel and he travelled widely but of course he had a list and visited every country with a town called Harrogate.

"One of his other passions was theatre and particularly musical theatre. So what did he do, he brought that together with his love of his home town. As a collector of music and songs with Harrogate links Mike compiled a CD in 2008 of every homage to Harrogate that he had located.

He found more than 20 going as far back as 1798. This CD followed Mike’s previous album, a compilation of vintage dance bands that appeared at the Royal Hall in the 1930s. Both promoted by Mike but profits to the Royal Hall.

"His current ‘list’ was gathering information and material of every film and TV show which featured Harrogate location-wise.

"This is just a snapshot of what Mike did for Harrogate and particularly the Royal Hall. Archivist, benefactor, collector, fundraiser, promoter, researcher, hands on hard worker, the list is endless.

"Harrogate will be a sadder place without him. Mike’s legacy is huge and he will be sorely missed by his loving family and his army of friends.

Liberal Democrat Judith Rogerson fears for nation's future after losing battle to represent Harrogate and Knaresborough