Monty Meth, the president of the popular Enfield Over-50s Forum, has died aged 95.

Mr Meth had headed the group, which acts to represent the voice of older people, for 20 years and during his time as chairman he oversaw a large membership increase.

He was also extremely active in discussions with groups such as Enfield Council, primary care trusts and leisure centres to try and improve their quality of life.

In 2007 he was awarded an MBE for his services to the community in Enfield and Bethnal Green.

Speaking at the time of receiving the award, Mr Meth said: "It came as a hell of a surprise, I had absolutely no idea.

"Obviously there was wide support from the organisations that I belong to, but I had no idea that this was being mooted.

"I think it reflects not just my work, but the work of the forum and the voice of people in the entire borough."

Born in 1926, Mr Meth grew up in Bethnal Green and served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

He was also a former journalist and worked his way up to becoming industrial editor at the Daily Mail in 1965 - he won News Reporter of the Year in 1970.

After retiring in 1999, he took over leadership of the Enfield Over-50s Forum in 2000 and helped raise its membership from around 70 to several thousand.

During his retirement he lived with his wife Betty in Enfield.