ONE of Tavistock's most elderly and well known figures has died following a period of ill health.

William Cyril Tucker, always known as Bill, was born in Tavistock on December 11 1904 and was christened at the parish church. He joined the Salvation Army when he was just three years old and became a member of the band at eleven, playing the solo cornet and euphonium, which he continued to enjoy until just a few months ago.

A pillar of the Salvation Army in Tavistock, Mr Tucker served as treasurer, songster leader and corps sergeant major and saw the closure of the hall on Kilworthy Hill in 1998, with the army moving to the Methodist Church school room.

Mr Tucker was also a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade for 34 years, eventually rising to the rank of divisional officer.

Mr Tucker worked for Devon County Council from 1923 until the second world war, building and repairing roads. During the war he worked at Devonport Dockyard and subsequently for Tavistock Urban District Council.

While working for the council he often drove 'Stumbles' the steam roller, which he used to test the strength of Burrator Dam after it was raised — a job for which Mr Tucker received ten shillings!

Stumbles later became a popular children's play attraction in the Meadows and has now been restored to full working order by the Robey Trust.

Mr Tucker was also a keen sportsman, who played football for Bannawell Blues and Tavistock, and cricket for Tavistock.

His extensive local knowledge has been sought by many authors in the area and he helped Tavistock Museum compile an audio-tape about the history of the town.

The funeral service for Mr Tucker will be held at Tavistock Methodist Hall at 2pm today (Thursday), followed by interment at Tavistock Cemetery. There will be a family cross only — donations may be made for Tavistock Salvation Army and Cancer Research.