DURING World War Two, British soldier Alby Burton disobeyed orders to lead a group of German girls in a lively dance through war-ravaged streets.

The colourful tale is one of many surrounding the life of the much-loved veteran and community stalwart, who died last Monday (September 8) at the age of 90.

A born entertainer and a true gentleman who was never heard to utter a swear word, Mr Burton was a former Cockney barrow-boy who settled in the North-East after falling in love with his wartime girlfriend, and later wife, Florence.

The former publican managed venues including The Comet in Darlington and the Ayresome Quoits and Rifle Club in Middlesbrough, where he hobnobbed with stars including Shirley Bassey and Engelbert Humperdinck.

He was a well-known figure around Darlington, spending his later life at the heart of the local community, serving as a parish councillor in Hurworth, volunteering with the council’s befriending service and socialising with his peers at Age UK Darlington’s Veterans Cafe, where he was life and soul of the party.

The organisation’s chief executive, Gillian Peel, said: “Although Alby was 90, his death was unexpected.

“He always said you had to remain young at heart and he lived by that philosophy.”

His only son, Peter, said Mr Burton would be missed by his family and friends, including companion Hetty Bissel and close friend Bill Borrowdale.

He said: “Dad was a well-known character and cheered up a lot of people in Darlington.

“All the way through his life he was a happy man, humble but outgoing – one in a million and a true individual.

“He was a very charitable person and a larger than life character, you’d never see him without him breaking into a little dance or cracking a joke, he was a born entertainer and had a huge lust for life.

“When he went, he still had all of his marbles, could argue with anyone politically and was still a motivator – it was the way he would have wanted to go.

“His loss will leave a huge gap that goes beyond me and his family. He was loved by so many people.”

A service in celebration of Mr Burton’s life will be held at King’s Church in Darlington on Friday, September 19 from 2.15pm. Those attending are asked to wear bright colours.