Tribute to Gorleston community hero

A senior policeman has paid tribute to inspirational Gorleston community stalwart Fred Learmonth who died in the early hours of yesterday morning from a long illness.

A senior policeman has paid tribute to inspirational Gorleston community stalwart Fred Learmonth who died in the early hours of yesterday morning from a long illness.

Mr Learmonth worked over many years helping to make Gorleston a better place to live by joining forces with police to combat antisocial behaviour - work which won him an accolade from the Home Office.

And in November Norfolk Constabulary launched an award in honour of his work - The Fred Learmonth Community Champion trophy which will be given every year to a person from Yarmouth area who helps to make it a better place to live.

Last night Supt Jim Smerdon, the head of Yarmouth police who attended the launch of the award, praised the inspirational role Mr Learmonth had played in improving Gorleston.

Supt Smerdon said: 'This is tragic news and our thoughts are with Fred's family and friends at this difficult time.

'Fred was a much-loved character and worked tirelessly to improve the community in which he lived.

'There is no doubt that his dedicated efforts have made his community in Gorleston and others in the borough a better place to live and I hope his actions will act as a legacy to others.'

The Fred Learmonth Community Champion was launched at Yarmouth's Chic seafront bar and the first recipient was Carl Harding for his work at the Newtown Youth centre.

As well as winning the Home Office's Taking a Stand award for his contribution to reducing antisocial behaviour, Mr Learmonth was also the recipient of a Norfolk Waste Management Partnership award for his work on cleaning up the Magdalen estate.