Community stalwart loses cancer fight

A former paramedic who was given a given a bravery award after he disarmed a suicidal ex-soldier holding him at gunpoint has died at the age of 55.

Neil Durling, of Church Street, Hadley, died at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital on Thursday after being diagnosed with neuro-endochrine cancer in June. It was the third time the Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council member had fought cancer.

The father-of-two, who was married to fellow councillor Hazel, was awarded the Chief Officer's Commendation after he persuaded a suicidal ex-soldier who had held Mr Durling and trainee colleague Wayne Beers hostage for more than an hour, to hand over his gun.

They had responded to a routine 999 call to his home in Market Drayton in 1993.

Mr and Mrs Durling ran three pubs - The Lock at Wolverley, The Bell at Tong and the Three Horseshoes at Alveley before moving back to Hadley.

Mrs Durling said: "He made the best out of any situation he was in and never gave up. He greatly influenced anyone he came into contact with and will be sorely missed by all."

Councillor Pat Smart, Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council chairman, said: "Neil's death has left a chasm in the council. His enthusiasm and humour will be sadly missed. I shall miss him as a colleague, but, most of all as a friend."

His funeral is at Telford crematorium on August 18, at 10.45am.