TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true gentleman” who worked for five decades at a Worcester motorcycle dealer.

Bennett Martin, who co-owned WJ Bladder and Son in Sidbury, died on Monday, July 18, aged 90.

He was born the eldest of five children in Ledbury on March 25, 1921.

When he left school, he went on to work for the British Red Cross, as well as WJ Bladder.

He was conscripted to the Army’s medical corps during the Second World War and spent five years as a prisoner of war when he was captured in Crete.

After the war, Mr Martin returned to Worcester and his job at WJ Bladder, which is now Skellerns Motorcycles.

It was through his co-worker Jack Dallow that he met his future wife Mary – Mr Dallow’s sister.

They fell in love and married at Severn Stoke on May 18, 1946.

Mr and Mrs Martin later built a home together in Claines and the couple were just a week short of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary when Mrs Martin passed away in May this year.

Mr Martin worked at the motorbike shop for 50 years in all, rising to the position of manager and becoming co-owner with Mr Dallow when Mrs Bladder died and left them the business in her will.

He retired at the age of 65 in 1986, which was when the business was sold to Skellerns.

Patsy McCabe, Mr Martin’s daughter, said her parents would travel the country together on a motorbike and sidecar.

She said her father was also a keen gardener, winning several Worcester in Bloom competitions and later becoming a member of its judging panel.

Mrs McCabe said Mr Martin was a great supporter of her showjumping, travelling with her nationwide to competitions with brother Graham at the wheel.

He was also a member of the Royal British Legion and was said to enjoy a pint every now and then.

Speaking of her father, Mrs McCabe, also of Claines, said: “He had a tremendous personality.

"My mum hated going shopping with me and dad because we would stop and talk to so many people.

“He was very much a gentleman. He always used to touch his hat and brought us up to believe manners cost nothing.”

He is survived by his sisters Betty and Georgina, children Graham and Patsy, son-in-law Norman and grandchildren Leanne and John. He was also a good friend to Leanne’s partner Chris.

Mr Martin’s funeral takes place on Monday at Worcester Crematorium at 1pm.

Family flowers only but donations for the RNIB may be left on the collection plate or sent to EJ Gumery and Son, 68/70 Ombersley Road, Worcester.