One of the youngest branch managers to be appointed by Barclays in Norfolk, Peter Grimson, has died aged 77.

He was just 34 when he took over at the Wells branch after climbing the managerial ladder since joining the bank in 1951 shortly before his 18th birthday.

He worked at branches across the county having started his career at Loddon.

After completing National Service in 1956, he was at Bank Plain, Norwich, where he met Muriel, who was working for the bank's management team. She had to leave the bank when they married.

Promoted to manager's assistant at King's Lynn in 1966, where he also became a qualified football referee, he was given his first branch at Wells in 1968.

There he was involved in community activities, serving as treasurer to the Wells RNLI and also the local cottage hospital. In 1976, after eight years, he became manager of the Aylsham Road branch, Norwich.

In May 1982, he took over at Stalham but declining health forced early retirement the following year.

Born at Dereham, Peter Robert Grimson, who went to Bracondale School, Norwich, took a keen interest in all sports, particularly sea fishing. He and his wife also became long-term season ticket holders at Carrow Road.

A founder member of two Masonic Lodges, the Yare Lodge and the Earl of Leicester, he was always prepared to help people and organisations, serving as treasurer to numerous groups and good causes.

In 1988, he successfully stood as a town councillor at Stalham when he was elected with a majority of just 10 votes. A great supporter of the town's church, he was a regular helper at the Tuesday fundraising events for many years.

Married for 54 years, he leaves a widow, Muriel, two daughters, Sally and Fiona, and two grandchildren, Oliver and Amy.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Mary's Church, Stalham, on Thursday, August 9 at 2pm. Donations to the parochial church council may be given at the funeral.

Michael Pollitt