Former Breckland councillor Bernard English, who has died at the age of 75

A former chief environmental health inspector in London who enjoyed the happiest time of his life after retiring to Norfolk and last year joined Breckland Council has died at the age of 75.

Bernard English was born and raised in Edmonton, north London, and moved around the capital during a career that saw him work in areas including Chingford, Haringey and Harlow.

He married Judy in 1959, and after the couple moved to Norfolk more than a decade ago he joined Weeting Parish Council, the local history group, the local Conservative party and the Friends of Thetford Forest.

Last year Mr English was elected unopposed to represent the Mid-Forest ward, near Swaffham, on Breckland Council, where he sat on the general purposes committee.

Weeting councillor Robert Childerhouse said: “He was very active in the community and always happy to help and put his skills to use for community projects. It’s a great loss for the community.

“He was a real gentleman and totally reliable and totally committed. He was delighted to be elected to Breckland Council. He was a real friend and a role model councillor.”

Mrs English has received more than 100 condolence cards since his death, and said: “He absolutely loved it up here. It was the happiest time of his life.”

Mr English stood down from Breckland Council because of ill health last month and he died on July 10, shortly after his 75th birthday. He leaves two daughters Phillipa and Julia and four grandsons.

His funeral will take place at the Catholic Church in Weeting at 2.30pm on Monday July 23, and a remembrance service will be held in Essex in September. Family flowers only, but donations can be made to St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds and Help for Heroes.