A Darlington couple killed in a crash on a trip away have been remembered for their decades of kindness, generosity and service to the town.
Tributes continue to be paid to Alan Charlton MBE, 90, and Joy McCulloch MBE, 74, who were killed in a two-car crash on the A171 near Scaling Dam shortly before midnight on Friday, October 2, while travelling to Whitby.
Both awarded MBEs for their community work, the couple have been described as “truly lovely people” whose impact on Darlington will last for generations.
Tributes for Alan Charlton MBE and Joy McCulloch MBE, who died on Friday (October 2) in a crash near Scaling Dam. (Image: Darlington Rotary)
One wrote: "I have known Alan for well over 30 years. We worked together on the first Rotary-supported Darlington 10k.
"Alan would put out the signage at 5am in the morning and still helped this year by looking after the Mayor at the event. They will both be sadly missed."
Another added: "Alan was one of the nicest gentlemen that you could want to meet and a great example of what can be done in later life."
A former colleague of Joy said: "I worked with Joy at the Memorial Hospital in the mid- to late-90s. Lovely woman. Tragic. Thoughts are with their family."
Members of the community also remember Alan’s lifelong commitment to local organisations and the friendships he built through decades of work.
One tribute read: "I've known Alan for years as he was a great friend to my dad since being at Farmway. He was one of life's gentlemen, and Joy was just lovely. So cruel the way it's happened."
Another said: "Alan was a great man. I met him in 2000 when he was head of the Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital. Such a shame. God bless them both."
Tributes for Alan Charlton MBE and Joy McCulloch MBE, who died on Friday (October 2) in a crash near Scaling Dam. (Image: Newsquest archive)
Another said: "The world is a sadder place without them in it."
Alan received his MBE in 2006 for services to the community, while Joy was awarded hers in 1999 for services to health care.
Joy, who spent decades caring for patients as a cardiac nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital, was remembered for the compassion she showed to everyone around her.
A tribute shared online said: "I didn't know Alan but Joy was such a lovely woman and always looked after all staff she came across. The patients and staff all loved her. Such a beautiful person."
One man recalled working with Alan on the International Military Music Festival and other community projects over many years.
He said: "I knew Alan when he was involved with the International Military Music Festival and we worked together on a number of projects. Hurworth Concert Band were happy to support him."
The tributes echoed praise from Darlington community figures for the couple’s dedication to helping others and their lasting legacy.
Darlington Rotary Club said: “We were shocked and extremely saddened by the death of our former president Alan Charlton and his companion Joy McCulloch in a car crash at the weekend.”
“A very committed and popular Rotarian who joined Darlington Rotary Club in 1990, Alan was also well respected across the area, especially for his voluntary work at Darlington Memorial Hospital.”
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Joy died at the scene of the crash, and Alan later died in hospital. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle, a man in his 20s and a teenager, were treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Police are investigating the crash and continue to appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email sciu@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference 12260194121.