Kenneth Markland set up a centre for the disabled in Beccles 25 years ago and was its chairman until the day he died. He was 89.

Kenneth Markland set up a centre for the disabled in Beccles 25 years ago and was its chairman until the day he died. He was 89.

He launched an appeal to set up the Beccles May Centre during his year as mayor in 1981, and raised enough to build and furnish the building at Common Lane South. In his second term as mayor in 1987 he raised more than £5,000 to help pay for it to be extended, providing a lounge, storeroom and disabled toilets.

During his years in Beccles he was also involved in the Sports Development Council, including as chairman, the Beccles Bird Society and the Scouts.

Born in Colchester, Mr Markland moved to Beccles in 1963 and had a strong affection for the town. He took an active interest in the National Association of Local Government Officers, twice being branch president, and in Beccles soon became associated with the town's branch of the Workers Educational Association, and St Michael's Parish Church, where he was a sidesman.

Both he and his wife Phyllis, who died 10 years ago, were members of the Beccles Society of Artists, on which Mr Markland served as chairman for five years.

He was one of the original members of the United Beccles movement, formed to promote independent candidates for the town council, and he was elected in 1976. He was a councillor for well over 20 years.

The treasurer of the May Centre, Denys Simpson, said: "He was a remarkable man who put his heart and soul into the community in so many ways. I would not have thought there has been anyone else in the town's long history who has given more service to Beccles than Kenneth Markland."