Former Evesham Town Council mace bearer Arthur Fryer has died at the age of 88.

Arthur was a market gardener in Offenham for much of his working life.

He was a Boy Scout and bell ringer in his early years before his nursery work took much of his time.

Arthur became vice-president of Littleton & Badsey Growers and a founder member of The Vale Growers.

After retiring from market gardening his other passion for Evesham and its history took precedence.

He became chairman of Evesham Historical Society and curator of the Almonry Museum.

As well as being Evesham’s mace bearer, he was the town’s tourist officer.

With the co-operation of Josephine Jeremiah, Arthur produced in 1994 the book Evesham, With A Pictorial History.

He also foiund the time to carry out the role of governor of Blackminster Middle School and St Richard’s First school for many years. Arthur was married to his wife Phyl for 67 years and when his health began to fail they retired to Solihull to be nearer his wife’s family.