TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved forestry figure who passed away during the APF show. 

Peter Linton lost his life at the age of 43 on Saturday. 

Affectionately known as ‘Ped’, he had worked for Jas P Wilson for many years, and bosses at the firm have today described him as a "hugely important member" of the team. 

Forestry Journal:

A company statement read: “It is still with a sense of shock and disbelief that we write of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Peter ‘Ped’ Linton.

"Ped passed away suddenly on Saturday. He was a hugely important member of our team and a fantastic ambassador for our company. 

"We know how highly he was thought of throughout our customer base and the wider transport sector."

As well as driving Jas P Wilson's lorries, Peter had a number of other roles around machine installation and set up.

The statement continued: "It is difficult to say much more about this. Ped you leave a massive hole in our company, sadly more than you’ll ever know. 

"We pass on our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP our friend." 

After Jas P Wilson announced the news, several social media users paid their own tributes to Peter. 

One wrote: "Every time I look at our County tractor now I think of Ped from the day he brought it down.

"Loved following his exploits at the truck shows as well.

Forestry Journal:

"Sincere condolences to all his family, friends and colleague." 

Another added: "We met Ped when we bought his old Scania from you. His attention to detail was incredible.

"It’s not often in this life you meet like minded folk and we remained friends and always kept an eye open for him on the road."