BERNARD Neil, Worcester's only post-war Mayor to serve two terms as First Citizen has died at the age of 79.

Mr Neil, from Cleeve Drive, Warndon, was born in Llanelli, South Wales. He joined the railways but in 1941, aged 17, he was transferred to Worcester and promoted to fireman.

In 1988, he retired after 47 years working for British Rail, mainly as a train driver. He was a Labour councillor for 22 years.

He was first elected as city councillor in 1961 but stepped down in 1965. He returned in 1972, for two years before starting his final period in 1976 and finally stepped down in 1990. His first mayoral term was 1982-3.

Mr Neil impressed people during his second mayoral term in 1988-89, when he stunned everyone at a reception in Worcester's German twin town, Kleve, by giving his speech in German.

"He had his speech translated into German," said his son Kevin. "He then attended classes for weeks beforehand so he could deliver it in German, surprising many in the process and pleasing the Germans who were more used to having English representatives speak English at such functions."

Throughout his life Mr Neil worked for others.

He and his wife of 55 years, Peggy, raised five children and fostered more than 25 youngsters.

Together with George Drew, the founder of Worcester's Association of Independents, who also died recently, he helped establish Ronkswood Church.

"Dad never did anything by halves, and always fully committed himself to whatever he took on," added 39-year-old Kevin.

"He and George even dragged a piano through the snow one Christmas Eve, in preparation for the service in the temporary hut that was used before the church was actually built."

Mr Neil was a leading regional and national official of the British Rail Staff Association.

He served as chairman of the Helping Hands Fund for railwaymen and their families and was vice-chairman of the Worcester branch of ASLEF.

He was a city magistrate, chairman of the governors of Cranham Primary School, chairman of the city's social services, children's and land and buildings committees and vice chairman of the city education committee.

Mr Neil suffered from diabetes for six years and died from associated illnesses last Thursday, at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The funeral is due to be held at St Barnabas Church, off Church Road, this Friday, followed by a committal service at Worcester Crematorium.