A PROMINENT Northallerton man who founded the town’s Round Table and was the chairman of the chamber of trade has died, aged 93.

George Kenneth Hird was the son of Northallerton chemist George Frederick Hird, and carried on his father’s shop in the High Street – which opened at the turn of the 20th century – until the mid-1980s.

Mr Hird, who died on Wednesday, November 21, was well-known and respected and during his working life was a member or chairman of many organisations.

His only son, Christopher Hird, said: “My grandfather always did a lot of public service work and that was very much a part of my father too.

“He was a founder of Northallerton Round Table, a church warden at All Saints Church, a town councillor for nine years and chairman of the council in 1961.

“He was chairman of the chamber of trade, chairman of governors at Allerton School, a member of the hospital management committee at Friarage Hospital and president of Northallerton Rotary Club.”

As well as a tightly-packed schedule, Mr Hird was a keen gardener and walker and enjoyed walking breaks in the Lake District.

In 2002 Mr Hird was made an Honorary Citizen of Northallerton.

His son added: “My father lived a good, full life and did a lot of good for other people.”

Mr Hird had three grandchildren Eleanor, Matthew and Charlotte.

His funeral service will be held at All Saints Church in Northallerton on Thursday (November 29) at 2pm.