A FORMER County Councillor who worked tirelessly for his beloved home town of Swanage has died at the age of 78.

Donald Hiett's devotion to Dorset was on display throughout his life, particularly during his 22-year retirement when he became involved in many major local projects.

Mr Hiett, who was born in Wimborne, was educated locally and attended Bournemouth School.

On leaving school he completed National Service before he met his bride-to-be, Sheila, at Bournemouth West Young Conservatives.

"I made him wait a few years before we married" said Sheila. "We married at St John's Church in Boscombe about eight years after we met.

"We had a very happy marriage and celebrated our golden wedding anniversary in March this year."

Before they married, Mr Hiett attended Leeds University where he gained a degree in Economics before securing employment with engineering company Lucas Automotive and moving to Berkshire.

Based in London and in Birmingham, he was the Head of Market Research and travelled the world. "He was able to travel widely as part of his job, going to places such as Japan, Mexico and South America" said Sheila.

The couple have two children, Tim and Charlotte, and now have two grandchildren, 17-year-old Alexander and Felicity, 14.

Mr Hiett took early retirement in his 50s and he and Sheila decided to return to their home county of Dorset, choosing Swanage as their base.

"We had always spent our holidays in Swanage, we loved it and the children knew it well" said Sheila.

Throughout his retirement Mr Hiett got involved with local issues and served as a Dorset County Councillor for Swanage for eight years.

He also became the Project Consultant for the restoration of the town's Victorian pier, securing £1 million to allow the ensure the necessary work was done.

"It was voted pier of the year last year which was a proud moment" said Sheila. "The flag on the pier flew at half mast when he died, which was a nice touch."

Mr Hiett was also involved in fund raising for the Ladybird Appeal, was Honorary president of Swanage Conservative Association and a member of St Mary the Virgin church.

He was also a member of the National Pier Society and Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, proof if it were needed of his love of Swanage.

A private cremation will be held on the morning of Monday July 20, to be followed by a service of Thanksgiving at St Mary the Virgin at 2pm.