THE Midland Railway Centre in Butterley will be a lasting tribute to one of its founders, according to his colleagues.

John Hett, who has died from cancer, became general manager at the railway in 1978.

During his 30-year career, he was an integral part of the railway's transformation from a colliery site to one of the most popular heritage railways, attracting more than 130,000 visitors each year.

Many of the attractions, including two museums and a country park, were developed from Mr Hett's plans.

Midland Railway Trust development officer Alan Calladine said Mr Hett would be a difficult act to follow.

"A great deal of the Midland Railway is here because of John's efforts and it is thanks to his dedication and commitment over 30 years that the railway is such a leading enterprise, both in the heritage railway movement and the local area," he said.

"He will be greatly missed by all those who have worked with him over the years and his lasting monument will be the Midland Railway, Butterley."

Mr Hett was also a voluntary director of the Heritage Railway Association, a role which he held for more than 20 years.

Born in Pilsley, Mr Hett grew up in Arnold and Newthorpe, near Nottingham.

He married Andrea in September 1979 and moved to Butterley Row, Ripley, in 1982. They have two children, Stephanie, 24, and Adam, 22.

Mrs Hett said her husband loved the railways.

"They were of such interest – anything to do with heritage was of interest to him," she said.

"He used to also work as a part-time DJ for events organised by the Midland Railway.

"He was a family man. Our daughter, Stephanie, got married in October and he was so proud.

"Our two-year-old grand- daughter, Chloe, absolutely loves all things to do with railways and John loved that."

Mr Hett was chairman of Amber Valley Council for Voluntary Services until he stepped down in December.

Chief executive Lynn Allison said: "John was very professional and his experience in the industry was invaluable to us.

"Railways were his passion and he put so much work into his role at Midland simply because he loved the job."

Mr Hett, who was 54, died on New Year's Day and his funeral service will be held on Saturday at the Midland Railway Centre from 1pm.