George Labram, the man who saw Swindon through the birth of comprehensive education, has died aged 88.

He was borough education officer between 1962 and 1974, a momentous time in education.

In 1965 comprehensive schools were introduced in place of the two-tier grammar and secondary school system

In 1974 control of schools in Swindon passed from Thamesdown Council to Wiltshire County Council.

The former Wiltshire county Scout commissioner achieved a double first in classics at Christ's College Cambridge before teaching in London.

In 1939 he served in the RAF and in 1944, as Flight Lieutenant Labram, he was posted to the Pentagon as an intelligence officer.

He arrived in Swindon in May 1962 from Oxford, where he had been deputy chief education officer.

Anne Plumb, his secretary throughout his time in Swindon, described him as a kind, considerate and friendly boss, who was held in high regard.

"He was a super boss, I couldn't have found better.

"He was a real gentleman and a lot of people had great affection for him," she said.

Mr Labram retired in 1974 and eventually moved to Aldbourne.

His son Martin said that his father was as an anchor for the family.

"He had a gentle, generous and sincere spirit," he said.

Mr Labram leaves a widow, Helen, three sons, Martin, Hugh and Henry and seven grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Aldbourne Parish Church on Thursday at 1.30pm.