THE founder of Churchill Motors in Parkstone George Potter has died aged 103.

George started as a mechanic at the old Branksome Carriage Works off Poole Road when he was a teenager and worked there until he joined the RAF in the Second World War.

He was sent back to run his workplace and carry out repairs on army vehicles and after the war he left before being offered the old stables on Churchill Road. Most of the building was kept the same, with the old hay loft in use and the old tram lines from Bournemouth Square still visible as part of the framework. While digging out a new pit to carry out MOTs underneath vehicles, Mr Potter discovered the complete skeleton of a carthorse.

After opening the business in 1946, Mr Potter then handed down the business and to son, Graham, and grandson, Chris, subsequently took it over in 2009.

George and his late wife, Edith, also had another son, Keith, and a daughter, Sheila, he was father-in-law to Sheila, Peter and Marion, and was a grandfather and great grandfather.

In 2012, Mr Potter spoke to Daily Echo about his 100 birthday party and described at the time how he had enjoyed 36 years of retirement, safe in the knowledge that Churchill Motors continued to be run by his family.

He said that he 'didn't have a worry in the world' as his children were there to look after him. Mr Potter used a mobility scooter to get to the shops from his home in Steepleton Road in Broadstone after he had to give up his beloved Toyota Avensis due to arthritis.

Mr Potter's wife, Edith, died 28 years ago and he later found happiness with a new partner, Margaret Newton, who passed away in 2011.

His life was reflected on at a funeral service at Poole Crematorium on Tuesday, August 18, following his death on August 6.