STU Sim was an “ace” worker who would have done anything for anyone, says the woman who employed him for almost a decade.

In an emotional tribute, Annabelle Morshead recalled singing along to Abba’s Dancing Queen with the Haydon Bridge man, while farming her family’s land at Langley.

The community is in mourning following the death of the popular 26-year-old, who died two weeks ago, after taking his own life.

Stu was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday, July 18, and his body was discovered in the Langley area several hours later.

Stu’s devastated family believe he may have been battling against mental health issues, and his older brother Phil has launched an online campaign, in which he is urging others suffering with their own demons to talk, and not keep them bottled up inside.

Annabelle employed Stu nine years ago, after the former Haydon Bridge High School pupil had received a significant career setback.

He was destined for a life in the military, having started basic training at Winchester to become a Royal Engineer. Unfortunately, not long after passing the first stage of training he was discharged on medical grounds.

Annabelle said: “That was a big disappointment for Stu, but he adapted well to life on the farm, and he was part of a seriously good team.

“He was part of our life, our family, for nine years. We are going to miss him enormously. There will be only one Stu, we won’t find another. He was ace.”

Stu was versatile on the farm. He could work with sheep, and was a tremendous asset at lambing time.

“He has many qualities,” said Annabelle, who enlisted Stu on an agricultural college course at Newton Rigg. “From fencing to dipping and clipping, he was excellent at repairing things, and was phenomenal at mucking out.

“He had a good sense of humour. On the farm he liked to listen to Radio One, but we’d compromise on Radio Two, and I remember singing along to Abba’s Dancing Queen at the sheep pens.”

Stu also worked alongside his close friend Katie White at Langley, and he also worked on other local farms.

Annabelle added: “What happened is absolutely devastating. I don’t think Stu was a depressive. I have many great memories of him. I hope that he is at peace now. My heart goes out to the Sim family and his many young friends.”