A FORMER Mayor and founder of the first housing association in Worcester, Stanley Marshall, has died in hospital, aged 87.

The well-known public figure was born in Park Avenue and attended Worcester's Royal Grammar School, where he later became a governor.

He joined the family firm of Maggs Outfitters straight from school until the war when he was called up to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

While staying in a billet in Knutsford on their first wedding anniversary, he and his wife Mabel were injured by a stray German bomb.

After serving in India, Mr Marshall retired from the Army having reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After returning to civilian life Mr Marshall turned his attention to serving his local community.

He was elected Conservative councillor for All Saints Ward in 1947, becoming City Chamberlain in 1960 and Mayor in 1962.

He became an alderman and remained a member of the city council until 1974.

His daughter, Diana Elt, said there was no doubt her father considered this year of office a great honour and one of the highlights of his life.

"He was primarily a people person and was always ready to help anyone in difficulties, particularly with housing," she said.

In 1948, he was made a Rotarian and became president of Worcester Club in 1969. He was presented the Paul Harris Fellowship honour in 1984 for starting the blind and disabled persons annual riverboat outing, with which he was involved for 60 years.

His commitment to people was displayed in its entirety when, alongside a fund-raising committee, he opened Worcester Citizens Swimming Bath at Lower Wick in 1975.

"He spent many years attempting to save the youngsters of the city enduring the icy waters of 'Parks Puddle' as they learned to swim!" his daughter said.

Mr Marshall - who leaves Diana and granddaughter Jenny - founded the Stanhope Housing Association and was a committed member of the United Reformed Church in Albany Terrace.

The keen sportsman lived in St George's Square with his wife Mabel until her death last Christmas, just before they were due to celebrate 60 years of marriage together.

A service of thanksgiving will be held on Friday, October 27, at 3pm at St George's Church, Barbourne. Everyone is welcome at the Magdalene Room afterwards.