FORMER police officer, community volunteer and church warden Antony ‘Tony’ Avery died on May 8.

For many years he was involved with the Strouden Community Association, a link which began when the group was first set up at a meeting in the Strouden Park Scout Hut in March 1986.

He was soon appointed as chairman and continued in the role for more than two decades – running the Monday Luncheon Club and weekly Whist Drives and handling bookings.

He was involved in the establishment of the new Strouden Community Centre, and stepped down from the role of chairman shortly afterwards, being appointed honorary president of the association.

Mr Avery served in the Royal Air Force from 1943-47 after which he worked as a police officer in Bournemouth for 30 years, reaching the rank of sergeant before his retirement in 1977.

Also, for 40 years he was a dedicated volunteer for the St John’s Ambulance service, eventually reaching the rank of commissioner.

He leaves his wife Dinah and family.

A funeral service will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium on Monday, June 2, at 11.30am.