HE was a highly commended corporal who saw active service in Malaysia in the 1950s and was keen to remain in the British Army.

But once his National Service was over, Clifford Fairlamb felt duty bound to return to his home community of Allendale, and join his father Lancie in the family plumbing and electrical firm.

Tributes have been paid to a true gentleman, who died last month at the age of 84.

Born into a well-known Allendale family, he went to school in the town before leaving at the age of 15 to take up an apprenticeship with Harrison’s of Hencotes, in Hexham, to learn the plumbing and electrical trade.

At 21, he joined the East Yorkshire Regiment on National Service, and served in Malaysia.

In a letter written home to his family, Clifford’s commanding officer described him as “outstanding” and as a real credit to his regiment.

On his return to Allendale, Clifford joined the town’s retained fire crew in 1956 and served until 1990.

He played the tenor horn in Allendale Silver Band, was a member of the Dale Singers and was also a regular churchgoer at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Allendale, where he sang in the choir and rang the bells.

A keen sportsman, he was both captain and club champion at Allendale Golf Club; and also enjoyed shooting and fishing, cricket and bowls.

But his real sporting passion was for motorbikes, and he was a member of the Tyne Valley Classic Motorbike Club.

In retirement, Clifford moved to Wiskill, near Penrith in Cumbria, and last year, bought the bike of his dreams, a Honda 1,000.

A lover of gardening, Clifford won prizes for his leeks, onions and sweet peas, and even one for bread making. He was also a talented wood turner, candlestick maker and photographer.

Widowed three times, Clifford is survived by his fourth wife Heather and his sister, Sheila.