A WORLD-WAR 2 veteran and a well-loved and respected town councillor for Kirkby Lonsdale has died at the age of 96.

Born in 1925 in Sheffield, Alan Day was always keen to put himself forward. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Alan Day doing promotional work during the Battle of Britain anniversary Alan Day doing promotional work during the Battle of Britain anniversary (Image: Robin Day)

First he served in the merchant navy then the Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (known as DEMS), and finally the Royal Navy during the Second World War. He was part of a volunteer force during the Blitz and remembers cycling around Sheffield on his bicycle while the bombs were going off.

His war experience stuck with him, and he hosted tea parties for Royal Navy veterans in Lunesdale Hall. When he became a town councillor he put in flag poles throughout Kirkby Lonsdale to fly Union Jacks. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Alan Day hoisting a merchant navy flag in Kirkby LonsdaleAlan Day hoisting a merchant navy flag in Kirkby Lonsdale (Image: Robin Day)

After being de-mobilised from the navy, he spent many years as a retail manager working in shops that would supply apparel for people wanting to do outdoor activities. 

However he is most known in Cumbria for his contribution to his local community when he moved to Kirkby Lonsdale just before he retired. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Alan Day speaking before retiring from the council. He always polished his shoes Alan Day speaking before retiring from the council. He always polished his shoes (Image: Robin Day)

Right from the start, the area was ideal for him because of his love of hiking, which also drew him on frequent holidays to Austria. He quickly became involved in the parish council, which then became the town council. When he retired from the town council in 2010 after 12 years of service he was the council chairman. 

His most visual legacy in the town was the development of Jubilee field into Jubilee Park, with benches and features for visitors to enjoy. 

He also brought Georgian lights to the town centre and developed the playing field near Booths supermarket. 

After he left the council, he still played a role in the community. He often read to the children of St Mary's Primary School and even did this via Zoom earlier this year. 

His son Robin Day said: "He was brilliant with kids. He was always kind and wanted to help people. He was always positive, and very determined. He did things because he thought it would be good for people, and he was competent as a councillor."

Alan leaves behind two children and one granddaughter. There will be a public service for him at St Mary Church on Thursday November 3 at 1.30 pm.