Tributes paid to 'real grafter' and 'loving' stonemason George Ingram

George Ingram, of Weymouth, who was known to many as 'Bill', worked for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council as a stonemason having started as a stonemason's mate.

Growing up in Upwey, after leaving school George tried his hand at painting and decorating, working on the railways and building work, as well as two year's National Service.

But it was as a stonemason that he was his happiest. As well as walls, he did paving stones and kerbs.

George Ingram was lovingly known to many as 'Bill'

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His skill and hard work saw him earn a lot of praise and he was known as 'a real grafter'.

George's legacy lives on - he built the stone wall on the corner of Rodwell Road and Wyke Road in Weymouth following the road widening work there. even wrote to the Echo about him. Many of the motorists slowing down for the mini-roundabout a bit further on complimented his craftsmanship as they passed and a woman living nearby

Upon retirement he took up cutting his neighbours' hedges all around Norfolk Road and even further afield for free - a habit he continued for 30 years until he was 90 but had to give up after becoming ill. His funeral was held on May 26.

George was recognised for his neighbourly hedge cutting efforts by winning the Wessex FM Neighbour of the Year award for cutting neighbours hedges for around 30 years all free of charge.

Mr Ingram hard at work

He was married to Doris, who passed away many years ago.

George was brother to the late Ted Ingram of Winterborne Monkton, who earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest paper boy, delivering the Dorset Echo to residents on a daily basis. The pair would attend Weymouth Carnival together every year.

George's nephew and Ted's daughter Angela Matthews is hoping to get a memorial bench installed dedicated to the two caring brothers.

She said: "George was such a hard working man just like my dad Ted. He was up and out with the lark and didn’t get home till the evening most days. He was such a loving and caring man to everyone.

"I’m sure Norfolk Road will not be the same without George. The neighbours will miss his friendly smile and caring ways.

"George and Ted were definitely one in a million. They were very special people who I feel do need to be recognised for all they have done for the community."