FORMER detective sergeant of Dorset Police, footballer and chocolate factory employee, Ray Grant, has died at the age of 91.

Born in Bournville in Birmingham, he followed his father, aged 14, into the world-famous Cadbury's chocolate factory, where employees were allowed to eat as much chocolate as they wanted.

When he turned 18, he joined the Royal Navy and served with distinction in the Sicily and Italian landings where there was fierce fighting. He was the coxswain on a Landing Craft (LCI) transporting infantry, under heavy fire, between troopships and the beaches. His captain at this time was Sir Alec Guinness, who later went on to become an actor starring in the Star Wars franchise, among other films.

At one point, a nearby landing craft got into difficulties and a volunteer was sought to swim across with a rope so that the ailing ship could be towed clear of danger. Ray volunteered and was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery.

Returning from war, Ray joined his parents for a holiday in Weymouth, where he met his future wife, with whom he shared 60 years with, until Marian’s death seven years ago. Together they welcomed their children, Linda and David and later their grandchildren, Ian, Sarah, Wesley and Loretta and more recently, three great grandchildren have followed.

For some years Ray continued to work at Cadbury's, travelling between Birmingham and Dorset on his AJS 350 motorcycle. However, as a keen footballer, he was soon offered a contract as a professional footballer with Weymouth FC.

He enjoyed his status as a celebrity footballer in Weymouth and his reputation was enhanced when he scored in the Terra’s Dorset Senior Cup Final success in the 1947/48 season.

Ray later changed career and joined Dorset Police where he served in various locations as a village policeman at Stratton, Weymouth, Wimborne, Swanage and Ferndown, before completing his service as a Detective Sergeant at Poole. He also represented England Police at football on a number of occasions.

On leaving the force, Ray enjoyed a short additional career with Barclays International, where he won trophies for squash and continued to play golf through his late 80s.

Ray died on January 14 and his funeral will take place at Poole Crematorium on February 2.