Allan Croose, a retired senior college lecturer at King's Lynn, who had been very active in several of the town's charity organisations, has died at the age of 82.

Mr Croose moved from his home town of Mold in North Wales in 1969 to become director of professional development and support at the former Norfolk College of Arts and Technology.

During his 25 years at Norcat he was instrumental in advancing the careers of hundreds of adults who were subject qualified and wanted to acquire teaching skills. He established the college's first degree course - Bachelor of Education - delivered through Huddersfield University.

After training at Loughborough College of physical education and teaching for some years at Mold Grammar School, Mr Croose pursued his interest in education theory studying for a diploma at Liverpool University before moving to Lynn. At Norcat he also ran the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for students.

Mr Croose was a keen sportsman and played football for several teams in North Wales including Buckley Wanderers when they won the Welsh national amateur cup final. He was also a successful tennis player and captained West Norfolk Tennis Club at North Runcton and was seniors' captain at Middleton Golf Club.

Music, especially jazz, was a special interest and he played piano with the Small Big Band and Cocktail Jazz Band for many years during which they helped raise thousands of pounds for a variety of West Norfolk charities.

Allan was member of King's Lynn Lions Club for many years and was president in 1986-1987. He also served as chairman of King's Lynn Borough Charities, was a founder member of West Norfolk Cricket Lovers' Society and a member of the Audrey Muriel Stratford Trust. He received a long service award for being a volunteer for the books-on-wheels service, and also delivered meals-on-wheels.

Mr Croose leaves his wife, Alison, a journalist and current chairman of King's Lynn Festival, daughter Sian Croose, director of The Voice Project at Norwich, and son Dr Jonathan Croose, a senior lecturer in media and performance at Bournemouth University.

Following a private cremation, a service celebrating Mr Croose's life will be held at Lynn Minster Church on Thursday May 11 at noon.