The funeral of Wing Commander Malcolm Hinder, OBE, one of county's most dedicated and popular youth leaders will leave from Billericay's Holy Redeemer Catholic Church tomorrow, for Great Burstead Cemetery following a service at 11.15 am.

Malcolm who had fought cancer of the spine since Christmas died at Mayflower House, the community hospital, on October 24, aged 59.

Brought up in the West Country he lived in Billericay all his married life, commuting to many diverse banking jobs in London.

Teresa, his devoted wife for 34 years, said the big turning point in her late husband's life was his involvement in two car accidents in which he sustained painful neck injuries.

"He received whiplash from two unrelated accidents, both times while waiting at a roundabout and both times he was hit from the back.

"Even after a major operation he still worked long hours for the Air Training Corps. It was his obsession and his love. I became a kind of camp follower after our children grew up."

To his friends it was a tragic irony that such an active man who loved adventure, mountain climbing, gliding and flying should end up in a wheelchair. He had led expeditions to the mountainous regions of the UK, continental Europe and North America.

A Governor of Basildon College and supporter of the British Legion he followed a career in banking until he retired at the age of 50 on medical grounds. He joined as a trainee with the former National Provincial Bank and in his senior years held many managerial positions with the Natwest in suburban London, City and West End.

He received his OBE at the Palace in March 1997 for services to the Air Training Corps. He worked tirelessly for the movement for three decades, the last eight years as Wing Commander RAFVR (T) where he was involved in the training of more than 20,000 cadets at some 29 units from all over Essex.

He had great rapport with young people, especially those less privileged. He took special pride in working with the Stanford-le-hope lads and in appreciation was given a silver cutlass as a mark of appreciation.

He willed that the sword be returned to Stanford-le-Hope and presented annually for cadet achievement.

Survived by his wife, two children, Nick and Tanya, mother and one brother, Michael, he attracted many friends, none closer than his ATC and work colleague, Bill Hunt.

"He was my best friend," said Mr Hunt. " He was always cracking jokes. He was in the true sense of the word, a great person." These sentiments were shared by another close friend, Reg Ferris who said the service of Malcolm to young people was unique.