DR David Hart, who was a GP in Wootton Bassett for 24 years, has died at the age of 90.

In his youth, Dr Hart worked at the London branch of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank before embarking on his medical training in the 1930s.

He was a very keen sailor, and in May 1940 responded swiftly to the appeal for small boats to take part in the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, when he crossed the Channel to bring back some soldiers. He spent the next two years as a PoW in Italy, and was then transferred to Germany for a further two years.

He resumed his medical studies after the war, completing his training at Guys Hospital, and qualifying in 1949. Shortly afterwards, Dr Hart was appointed to join Dr Watson and Dr Brinkworth in what was then Wootton Bassett's only general practice, in the High Street.

Dr Hart, who was widowed, is survived by his four sons, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. He spent his final years at St Neot, and died on March 17.

His funeral took place on March 25, when the service in St Neot Church, was followed by burial in the churchyard.