TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Colchester fireman who has died aged 91. 

Peter Betts, a Colchester firefighter of 30 years, leaves behind his beloved wife Yvonne Betts, children and grandchildren.

The hardworking father and grandfather grew up in Harwich before moving to Colchester to pursue his career in the fire service.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Memories- Peter Betts with his teamMemories- Peter Betts with his team (Image: NQ)

He spent 30 years serving in Colchester and surrounding areas as a station officer and acting assistant divisional officer.

He was also the five-time president of the Colchester Lions Club, a group which supports numerous causes in and around Colchester.

Mr Betts was also the founder and principal organiser of Colchester’s It’s a Knockout tournament, an event which included a series of games and competitions.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Celebration- Peter and his family on his 90th birthdayCelebration- Peter and his family on his 90th birthday (Image: Peter Betts family)

The tournament historically caused five participants to need treatment at Harwich Hospital.

One of the challenges, the ‘Flying Waiters’ game was discontinued “due to the number of accidents it was causing”.

The game involved collecting as many water-filled cups as possible on a tray from a teammate on a ramp.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Competition- a newspaper cutting on the knock out gamesCompetition- a newspaper cutting on the knock out games (Image: Peter Betts family)

His wife Yvonne, who spent more than 60 years married to Peter, looked back at her memories with him.

She said: "Peter served the full 30 years as a firefighter in Essex, most of them at the Colchester Station where he was station officer of Blue Watch. His last job before he retired was attending to the fire at the Colne Lodge on Crouch Street.

"I recall the times that I served with Peter when he was president of the Lions on five separate occasions, he was responsible for organizing the classic car show and the duck race on the same day."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Icon- Peter meeting current firefighters in ColchesterIcon- Peter meeting current firefighters in Colchester (Image: Peter Betts family)

His family have fond memories of his efforts in raising money for charity.

His son, Martin Betts, said: "He was actively engaged in fundraising with some early memories from his fire brigade days being of him initiating and sustaining the Colchester It's a Knockout.

“Teams from all over Colchester raised large amounts of money for multiple local charities.

“A pattern he repeated with a 24-hour fire swim at the Colchester Leisure Centre."