TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Bridport’s most tireless fundraisers.

Cliff Casstles, who has died at the age of 74, was a popular character around town and was a committee member of many of the town’s voluntary organisations.

Such was his love of the things that he had an interest in, he was treasurer of three of them when he died.

He was an industrious fundraiser for the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association, of which he was a full member, in spite of his increasing poor health.

For many years he was a member of Bridport Disabled Club, whose members were subject to his generous sponsorship. He was on the local Sports Council, part of the team that helped the town achieve new sports facilities.

Mr Casstles joined the Sea Cadets when he was 11, and was eventually commissioned and awarded the Cadet Forces Medal for more than 12 years’ continuous commissioned service in the Corps.

He became a partner in agricultural and retail supplier HC Bartlett Ltd, in the early 1990s after working for them since arriving in Bridport.

Despite some health problems, he continued with his beloved organisations, with special emphasis on the Sea Cadets.

His work was recognised in the 2003 New Years Honours List when he was awarded the MBE, which he described as the highlight of his life.

Clifford Wallace Casstles was born in Manchester. His first eight years were spent in an orphanage until he was adopted by Elsie and Wallace Casstles. A fire had severely damaged the orphanage and caused some smoke damage to his lungs.

On finishing school he went to work in Timpson’s shoe repair shop.

At 18, he served National Service in the Army Medical Corps after which he went to work with the Reynolds Chain Company until moving to Bridport in the 1970s to be near his adoptive aunt and cousins.

Around this time he joined Bartletts in the accounts department, working his way up to general manager and finally a partner.

During his time at the company he endeavoured to help young people by organising apprenticeships.

Friend Alan Kidson said in later years health problems beset him and restricted his movements.

“But Cliff was still an enthusiastic fundraiser and could be found outside his flat on St Swithun’s Road, selling bric-a-brac in aid of both the RNA and the Sea Cadets.

“A man of many talents, but what shone through was his humanity and love of his fellows.”

He is survived by Anne, his wife of 41 years.