TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who was the driving force behind efforts to improve a Darlington estate.
Ernie Martin, who died in hospital aged 77, launched the Branksome Residents' Association in 1994, with the aim of injecting community spirit back into the area.
A former magistrate, special constable and borough councillor, Mr Martin was once nominated for the Darlington Citizen of the Year award.
He was also instrumental in setting up an appeal in 1988, in memory of a teenage girl, who died of meningitis. More than £20,000 was raised for new equipment at Darlington Memorial Hospital as a result of his campaign.
Mr Martin lived on the Branksome estate for more than 40 years and will be fondly remembered by local people.
The present chairman of the residents' association, Sam Buckle, said: "He was a man who was a great servant to the residents of Darlington and the town in general.
"He was a great feller who always wanted to improve things for people around here."
Mr Martin, of Egglestone View, died at the end of March. He leaves a son, Michael.
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