A WELL-known and popular disability pioneer from Hereford has died aged 90.

James Lawes, known as Jim to many, worked with a number of statutory and voluntary organisations, including Herefordshire and Ludlow College and the city's Waterworks Museum on access and mobility issues, producing guides to accessibility and commenting on planning applications.

Mr Lawes, who lived in the St James area of Hereford, also raised thousands of pounds over the years to buy vehicles for the city's Shop Mobility scheme.

He sadly died of a heart failure.

"Dad may have had very strong principles but he was also very courteous and kind, and he never stopped thinking about others which is why so many people respected him," said his daughter, Alison Hustwitt.

"I can't tell you how much I shall miss him, but hearing from so many Herefordians that he made a difference and was much loved has been a huge comfort."

She said Mr Lawes was given a number of awards for volunteering but was proudest of the Mayor of Hereford’s Citation for Services to Disability in the city.

He also chaired Arthritis Care and Access for All.

Aside from disability campaigning, Mr Lawes was a lifelong trade unionist, serving in various capacities both in his own teaching union and on local trades councils.

He supported fellow trade unionists at GCHQ and, alongside wife of 53 years Jean, took part in food runs to the Welsh Valleys during the miner’s strikes.

Locally, he was involved in the Hospice of the Marches, which he briefly chaired, and volunteered at Hereford Records Office.

In his spare time he was a talented harmonica player, singer of music hall songs, and a storyteller.

He also wrote and published poetry.

After marrying Jean, the couple went on to have two children.

On retiring from the teaching profession, the couple chose to move from Worcester to Hereford, where both carried out local voluntary work, which included Mr Lawes helping secure the re-introduction of a bus service to St James.

Sadly, his son Duncan died of a brain tumour at the age of 32, and Jean also passed away before him.

His funeral was due to take place at St James' Church on Wednesday July 1.