ENTHUSIASTIC gardener and supporter of Wimborne in Bloom, John Hare-Brown, has died at the age of 74.

Born in Luton, Mr Hare-Brown grew up in North London at Palmers Green and attended primary and secondary schools in the area.

During his final year at school he took the lead role in a play about Florence Nightingale, but chose not to pursue a career in acting and instead went to work in the tax office in Enfield.

He later changed his career path again and after completing his training at the Hendon Police College, he joined the Metropolitan Police. He served in different areas around North London and rose through the ranks to be an Inspector and a Unit Commander.

Mr Hare-Brown told loved ones that he enjoyed 'walking the beat' and the contact that he had with people, which he felt was the essence of good policing.

Following his retirement, he started his own accountancy business while following a number of hobbies and passions outside of work which included his enjoyment of music and singing.

He was an accomplished pianist and also played the organ at the church where he met his wife, Brenda, 40 years ago. He was a member of the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir and was also part of the Allen Singers.

In his earlier years he played tennis, loved watching cricket and was a supporter of Spurs, often attending matches at White Hart Lane with his father and standing on the terraces. In more recent years, he would often be found playing a game of snooker with his friends at the Royal British Legion Club in Wimborne.

His love of gardening showed in the ideas he developed in his garden and the town of Wimborne later became an extension of this when he and Brenda moved to the area in 2003. He soon became involved with Wimborne in Bloom, assisting with fundraising events and helping to keep the town clean and tidy. He joined the Committee in March 2007 and became Secretary in February 2013. He was responsible for drawing up the maintenance programme and the rota for weekend checks for litter and damage to planters. He was also often seen around the town with his green wheelbarrow leading the team out weeding and general cleaning.

Earlier this year he was the first recipient of the Community Volunteer Award presented by the Chairman of East Dorset District Council.

Mr Hare-Brown died on October 25 and his funeral was held at Wimborne Cemetery on November 11.