Alistair, 68, who lived in Darley Dale with his wife Lesley, died at Calow Hospital, Chesterfield, on June 8 after a stroke.

This week the Matlock Mercury has received numerous calls from local people expressing their sadness at his death.

Born near Liverpool, Alistair worked alongside the Beatles for over a decade after becoming personal assistant for Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, as well as an invaluable member of the Epstein family business NEMS.

He later became a true insider in the Beatles machine and the boys' own "Mr Fixit." He was there when the group signed with Brian, he bought John Lennon an island and found the Magical Mystery Tour bus.

His wife Lesley, 72, speaking from their home on Dale Road South, said: "Alistair had a great admiration for The Beatles. He always said from the first time he went to see them, that there was something special about them."

She added: "He did work very hard, he was very loyal to the Beatles and to the company, and he enjoyed his job – he loved music."

He left The Beatles after a change of management, but then travelled all over the world, and especially to America to join an array of Beatles conventions.

Alistair and Lesley had lived in London, and moved to Derbyshire in the 1970s to set up their own business.

At one time, Alistair was also assistant manager at the New Bath Hotel.

Lesley said: "After working for the Beatles nothing seemed quite the same, but we both loved Derbyshire."

His death has saddened both the local community and Beatles fans all over the world.

Yoko Ono, the wife of the late John Lennon, sent a huge bunch of white orchids to Lesley, after hearing of Alistair's death.

Alistair's health had deteriorated in recent years, but he still felt able to give interviews. He had only just recorded one in Liverpool for a Channel 5 Beatles documentary.

David Bedford, of the British Beatles Fan Club, was one of the last people to interview him.

He said: "He was a lovely man, who was quite modest about his part in the Beatles phenomenal success.

"He will be missed by Beatles fans all over the world."

Steve Barnes, from Beatles superstore From Me to You, met Alistair in August 2001, at the height of Beatles Week in Liverpool.

Famous faces from across the world had congregated in the basement of a shop to commemorate a very special occasion – when the Beatles signed their contract with Brian Epstein.

Steve said: "Legend has it that all four Beatles signed, Alistair signed and Brian, in his excitement forgot – so from the side of 'the management' it was Alistair who made history, he signed, not Brian."

Steve added: "Alistair didn't glory in the part he played with the Beatles, but he was pleased to share it.

"Everyone in the Beatles business here in Liverpool sends their condolences."

A private funeral service followed by cremation was held at Brimington, near Chesterfield, on Tuesday, June 15.

By Emily Davies