A PILLAR of Redditch and Astwood Bank society died on Friday.

Fred Tomlin, 86, of Evesham Road, was with his wife, Florence, when he collapsed in his kitchen and could not be resuscitated.

Mr Tomlin, who was born in Mappleborough Green, was a well-known butcher in Redditch for about 30 years and had a shop in Church Green East.

During the Second World War, he was an ambulance driver and afterwards continued to offer his services to St John's Ambulance for which he earned a British Empire Medal in the late 80s.

When he retired, he continued to attend St John's Ambulance meetings.

He was an active member of Astwood Bank's neighbourhood watch scheme, as well as president of the Astwood Bank Welfare Association, which provides equipment and help for the village's old folk.

Mrs Tomlin said: "He was very well known in Redditch after he took over the butcher's business in 1954 and had many regular customers who came to know him.

"He was a very kind man and wouldn't do anyone a bad turn.

"He loved charity work, especially St John's Ambulance, and was very proud when he earned his BEM."

Mr Tomlin suffered a stroke three years ago but made a good recovery and enjoyed spending time in his beloved garden

Astwood Bank Welfare Association chairman Pat Summers also paid her respects to Mr Tomlin.

She said: "It really is a sad loss for the village because he did such a lot for the place."