JOHN Fountain, a former Cambridgeshire county councillor and a founder director of Fenmarc Produce, has died aged 87.

Mr Fountain was brought up in Benwick and attended the village school. After working on the family farm he joined the RAF for pilot training and gained his wings and commission in Canada.

After VE Day he transferred to the Fleet Air Arm. When he was demobbed he returned to the family farm and in 1956 his father purchased Delavals Farm, Benwick Road, Whittlesey, now farmed by his son David.

While farming he was chairman of Whittlesey NFU, president of Whittlesey Young Farmers and president of the Isle of Ely Young Farmers. He was also chairman of Whittlesey 5th Internal Drainage Board and was a founder director of Fenmarc, based at March.

On retirement from farming, he was elected to Cambridgeshire County Council where he became chairman of property and county farms.

Mr Fountain also was an honorary member of Ailwyn Lodge of Freemasons, of which he had been for 55 years. He was also an honorary member at Ramsey Probus Club.

His hobbies included sailing, shooting and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed travelling, visiting five continents.

Married to Evelyn since 1949, he also leaves son David, daughter Ann, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A cremation took place at Fenland Crematorium on Monday, followed by a memorial service at St Mary’s Church, Whittlesey.