A man renowned for his love of feeding pigeons in Morecambe has died.
John Wilkinson was known as 'The Birdman' or 'The Pigeon Man' of Morecambe and could often be seen feeding the birds in the local area from his trolley of bread.
Mr Wilkinson earned national fame in 2014 when a campaign to 'Free the Morecambe Birdman' was launched after he was sent to prison for six weeks for breaching an anti-social behaviour order restricting him from feeding his beloved pigeons.
The West End Impact charity posted the news of Mr Wilkinson's death on Monday.
"It is with great sadness that John Wilkinson's family have let us know that he sadly passed away this morning after a short illness," said Emma Wareing from West End Impact, in a post on the West End Impact Hub Facebook page.
"John was an amazing man who blessed so many people with his charm and knowledge.
"Everyone at Impact will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
"This post is genuine and we know there have been a lot of rumours but I have posted after speaking to the family and with their permission.
"Rest in Peace lovely John. I pray you are surrounded with books and birds and free of pain."
The Pets R Us & Fertility Clinic at New Inn Yard in Poulton, Morecambe, where John was a customer, also posted a tribute to him.
"Really sad news. Rest in peace John. We will miss you dearly at our shop! Thoughts are with his family."
In an interview with The Visitor newspaper in 2014, John explained his love of feeding pigeons.
"I enjoy feeding birds, it relaxes me mentally," he said.
"It improves my powers of concentration."
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