HE was a historian and author who immersed himself in Tyne Valley life after moving to the district in 1974. Colin Dallison held well-respected roles with Hexham Abbey, the town’s local history and civic societies, and published books on the area and its past. Such was the esteem in which he was held, the dedicated Hexham resident was awarded the Honorary Steward and Bailiff of Hexham title in 2009. Now tributes have been paid to the much-loved father and grandfather, following his death at the age of 90, on January 11. A service was set to take place at Hexham Woodland Cemetery today.