LONG-serving fire officer George Pollock was born in Bournemouth in 1923 and brought up in Boscombe, attending St Clement’s School and Bournemouth School.

His first job was in the Rates Office at Bournemouth Town Hall before he was called up to serve for five years in the Army during World War Two. He was with the Somerset Light Infantry and Royal Army Pay Corps and was due to serve in Burma when he became restricted to home service due to health problems.

After the war he joined Bournemouth Fire Service, progressing from ordinary fireman to sub-officer at West Hill, station officer at Pokesdown, fire prevention officer, then brigade training officer, ending up as deputy commander of B division. He was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.

Following his retirement from active service, George took over responsibility for running the National Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund, raising funds for injured and bereaved firefighters and their families. He was also a Justice of the Peace at Bournemouth.

He enjoyed sport, both as a player and spectator. In his younger days he played football for AFC Bournemouth and was selected for Hampshire at the end of the war. He also played table tennis, squash and golf.

George was actively involved with the church all his life. He was a Boys’ Brigade Officer with the 2nd Bournemouth Company at St John’s in Boscombe, later moving to Punshon Methodist Church, Victoria Park and latterly St George’s Methodist Church.

He also enjoyed classical music and attended concerts at the Winter Gardens.

He died in hospital after a fall on his 90th birthday, leaving two daughters Joyce and Stella, stepson Michael, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.