A well-known York trade union leader has died aged 91.

George Westerman was born in Bubwith, in East Yorkshire, in 1917.

After attending the local school, Mr Westerman moved to York, aged 18, to work as an apprentice bricklayer.

In 1939, at the age of 19, he joined The Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers, and from that time, always took a keen interest in union affairs.

Soon afterwards, he began running the Malton and Wetherby branches of the union before becoming York branch chairman in 1940, and afterwards branch secretary. He became a full-time regional organiser in 1963.

During this time he became local branch secretary of the National Federation of Building Trades Operatives and became a delegate to York Trades Council as well as branch secretary of the York branch of what had become the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians.

This led to work with the industrial training board and membership of the York ‘A’ hospital management committee until the latter’s demise in the 1970s.

He also served for many years as a magistrate in York and Selby, rising to deputy chairman, a position he kept until the age of 70.

Upon retirement at the age of 65 he set up a retired members association in York for members of his union and remained secretary of the group until his death.

He was also instrumental in founding and was an involved member of York and District Pensioners Association, acting as secretary for many years.

In his spare time, Mr Westerman was a big fan of rugby league, becoming a member of York Rugby League Club, later to become York City Knights, in 1933.

He was made an honorary vice president of the club in 2003 upon achieving 70 years membership.

He attended a home game only a week or so before his final illness.

Upon moving to Heworth ten years ago, Mr Westerman found a passion for gardening, and was awarded winner and runner up in the York In Bloom competition for two consecutive years in the communal garden category.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm today at York Crematorium Chapel. Donations can be made to Age Concern.