FORMER Sooty Show presenter Peter Corbett is bidding farewell to Lymm after living in the village for 25 years.

The actor, writer and puppeteer is the son of Sooty creator Harry Corbett and presented the show, under the name Matthew, for more than two decades at Granada Studios between 1976 and 1998.

Peter was also well known for living in Lymm's iconic White House overlooking the Bridgewater Canal with his wife Sallie.

The 72-year-old is moving to Horsham, West Sussex, to be near his family in Brighton.

Peter decided to move closer to his children after catching the coronavirus. He was in Warrington Hospital for 10 nights and the health scare made him reassess how he wanted to spend the rest of his retirement.

To mark the end of an era, Peter was treated to a surprise celebration at Lymm Spice Lounge.

Friends gathered as he shared tales from his life and career which included a bout on children's TV classic, Rainbow, before he became Sooty's right hand man.

Warrington Guardian:

Peter pops up to chat to old friends at Lymm Spice Lounge. Picture: Lady Morrison Photography

Jamie Morrison, who photographed the event, said: "We have all been so privileged to know Peter and share in his tales of TV life.

"We are sad to see him leave but wish him and his family all the best.

"This incredible event was a complete surprise to Peter – it was organised by Naz from the Lymm Spice Lounge.

"As Peter's number one fan, Naz donated the evening to Peter and his friends and family."

Peter is also a keen narrowboater and as well as presenting a TV show about Britain's waterways called Locks and Quays, he supported Lymm Historic Transport Day by becoming the event's first patron.

Warrington Guardian:

A much younger Peter in his early Sooty days

Alan Williams, director of Lymm Historic Transport Day, said: "To say that Peter and his wife Sallie will be missed is an understatement.

"Peter was the life and soul of any party and entertained on guitar and vocals for many years in the Bull's Head.

"He lent his name to Lymm's first Historic Transport Day in 2013 as its patron and was a keen supporter and regular visitor to the Heritage Centre.

"The Corbetts' cottage has probably become Cheshire's most photographed over the past 25 years thanks to work they have done to make such a beautiful garden.

Warrington Guardian:

Peter lived at Lymm's iconic house for 25 years

"We will miss his smiles and quips, seeing him, always with a hat, walking the dog around the village, always keen to stop and chat, tending that beautiful garden at the side of the canal, or enjoying one of Lymm's many restaurants.

"We wish Peter and Sallie well in their new home."

The Sooty Show is now run by magician Richard Cadell who was handpicked by Peter to replace in him in 1998.

Richard first met Peter when he was just 15. He won a Young Magician of the Year competition and his prize was to present a trick for Sooty.

Meanwhile, Lymm Heritage Centre has produced a new 1000-piece jigsaw featuring the cottage Peter lived at to mark the end of an era. It is on sale at lymmhic.co.uk