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One of Grimsby's Skint stars and well-known Freeman Street character, John Green, has died.

Tributes have been paid to the lovable ex-fisherman nicknamed 'Chukka' whose fame became nationwide thanks to the TV series.

John was astute with the documentary producers and said he would only appear on TV if a £600 donation was made to The Fishermen's Mission charity and RNLI, which they duly did.

In April, five years after the series was aired, some of the stars reflected on the portrayal of Grimsby. John, who worked on boats for 45 years, featured with some of his fellow ex-fishermen living in The Square and their three-day, booze-fuelled parties.

John, 63, told Grimsby Live: "I have pride in Grimsby. I respected Grimsby. To disrespect Grimsby would have been to disrespect all the guys I have worked with. But Grimsby is now building itself up again. Being on Skint didn't change my life.

"I love Grimsby, I love my Grimsby family and all my friends. Grimsby has been good to me. I respect the place. Grimsby is a beautiful town."

In tribute, retired Superintendent of The Fishermen's Mission, Tony Jewitt said: "Chukka was one of life's right characters.

"He could be a bit of a Jack-the-lad. But deep down he was a good man.

"He would give his last penny to those in need. He would cook meals for people if they were desperate and help people if he could."

He added: "He came from Hartlepool. I always found him to be sincere and always helpful and respectful, particularly towards The Fishermen's Mission. He was a typical hard-working fisherman and was working up until just a short time ago."

Mr Jewitt said: "He could be a bit of a handful at times but a lot of people respected him."

John was an avid Manchester United fan and had the chance to see his favourite team at Old Trafford on several occasions.

He was the last tenant of the fishermen's cottages in Weelsby Square to leave before they were bought up and refurbished.

One of the signs for The Square accidentally ended up in his possession when high winds blew it down into the green near his home.

(Image: Grimsby Scunthorpe Media Group)

He took it with him when he moved from East Marsh to Doughty Road, Grimsby last year.

He also took happy memories of life in The Square.

Shortly before he flitted he told Grimsby Live of his memories of Slug, Shrimpie, Bagwash and three-day parties.

The Square was made up of 20 linked cottages, 10 on either side facing each other.

However, over the years, as the fishing industry declined, the one-bedroom homes have become less popular, with high vacancy rates. John remained until last year when Galaxy of Homes began a multi-million pound refurbishment.

“We have renamed The Square, The Triangle because there are just three of us left. When we are gone it will become the Bermuda Triangle because, Dean, Mick and me will all vanish,” told John.

He reeled off the names of neighbours who brought the small community of fishermen to life, particularly when they opened their windows and played Christmas songs in the middle of summer.

In the seven years he lived in The Square he became a good neighbour to Scouse Bill, Slug, Shrimpie, Pavarotti, Dismal Dave, Woody and Graham.

Paddy, who lived in one of the cottages returned to Ireland a couple of years ago.

There was also Big Terry, Grandad Bill, Eddie Hindle, Bagwash and The Old Lady.

John recalled her kicking off when one of The Square’s weekend parties went on for three days.

The neighbours formed a conga line dance to the England football XI anthem “Vindaloo.”

“She came out in her nightie with her rollers in her hair and told us off for making too much noise,” recalled John.

He said: "The police didn’t ever have to come down here because we could all look after ourselves and it was a banging community."

He added: “I am just a normal working class man. People call Grimsby, but to me there is nothing wrong with Grimsby. Even the Town manager has kept the team in the League."

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