RETIRED Wisbech businessman and former mayor, Bert Dickerson, has died. He was 86. He was elected to Wisbech Town Council in 1983, and became mayor two years later. He and his wife of 56 years, Doreen, made history in 1989 when she became mayor, making th

RETIRED Wisbech businessman and former mayor, Bert Dickerson, has died. He was 86.

He was elected to Wisbech Town Council in 1983, and became mayor two years later.

He and his wife of 56 years, Doreen, made history in 1989 when she became mayor, making them the first couple to have independently held the office.

Herbert Reginald Dickerson was born in Purfleet, Essex. At a very early age he moved to Wisbech where his parents ran the Rose and Crown in West Street for many years.

He attended St Peter's and Queen's Schools and began his working life as a projectionist at the Electric (Onyx) Cinema in Wisbech, later moving to London to work as a projectionist in several cinemas.

He returned to Wisbech inn 1943 and set up his business Bert Dickerson Ltd in Norfolk Street, where he traded for 41 years until retirement. He sold and repaired cycles, televisions, radios and other electrical equipment.

His vans were a familiar sight around town bearing the slogan 'Buy Bert's Bikes'.

He served two two-year periods as president of Wisbech Chamber of Trade and was chairman of Wisbech Business and Professional Men's Club, which involved organising the 1978 Beepex exhibition.

He was a founder member of Norfolk Street Traders Association and chairman for eight years. He was the association's first honorary life president.

While Mayor he formed Wisbech Tourism Development Group and was its chairman for four years.

He was elected to Fenland District Council in 1989 and during his office he was vice-chairman of the council's environment and public works committee and chairman of both Fenland Environment Action Team and Fenland Age Concern.

He also served on the West Ouse, North Level and Drysides drainage boards, and was a governor of St Peter's and Elm Road Schools and the Isle College.

In his leisure time he enjoyed caravanning and playing bowls.

As well as his widow he leaves a daughter, Angela Risebrow.

A funeral service will take place at St Peter's Church, Wisbech, on Wednesday July 11 (11.30am) followed by cremation at Mintlyn, King's Lynn.