Tributes are being paid to a popular man described as an essential part of the fabric of community events across the Fens.

Wisbech Standard: George Dunlop with Vivien the fire engineGeorge Dunlop with Vivien the fire engine (Image: Archant)

George Dunlop, known best in his role as chairman of the Vivien Fire Engine Trust, died suddenly this week and leaves wife Gill and two children.

Susannah Farmer, of Wisbech Town Council, said: “He was a real community man. Vivien was his pride and joy but he was so much more than that.

“At Christmas he was the person that went round all the supermarkets asking for hundreds of mince pie donations for our Christmas lights switch on.

“He would go round the shops for St George’s Day dragon hunt, he was active within the Rose Fair. If there was something where help was needed George would be there.

Wisbech Standard: George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams.George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“He knew everybody, he was very popular. Although he was the guiding light with Vivien he was part of the Trust so that will still keep going, but I know his presence across the Fens will be missed.”

March Town Councillor, Rob Skoulding, said: “He was a lovely gentleman. Vivien used to be brought to the March Summer Festival, it was really popular. George will be greatly missed.”

Kevin Smith, manger of the Horsefair shopping centre in Wisbech, said: “George was a key part of town centre events, he worked tirelessly to support them.

“It was a pleasure working with him. He will be deeply missed.”

Wisbech Standard: George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams.George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Two years ago, after 45 years of research, George finished penning the history of the town’s fire service.

He dedicated decades of his life to writing an extensive background of the service dating all the way back to 1607. All six editions of his work is on display in the Wisbech and Cambridge libraries.

The hardback books feature incidents the service was called to until 2014 and contain photos, information from social events and even the resting places of firemen from the past.

George, 78, of Walsoken, wrote the books in memory of his father ‘Jock’, who was a firefighter from 1927 until 1954.

Wisbech Standard: George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams.George Dunlop who wrote about the history of Wisbech fire service. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)