A WELL-known personality who served with the RAF as an air-gunner in World War Two and became 'skipper' of the the local Sea Cadet Force almost 50 years ago has died age 80.

Commander Albert Edward 'Ted' Stanton, MBE, of Birchley, passed away on Friday in Whiston Hospital, where he had recently undergone surgery for bowel cancer.

He leaves a widow, Margaret, a former headmistress at Robins Lane School, who also holds the MBE.

Mr Stanton flew in Lancaster bombers as a pilot officer during wartime and, after service with the Air Training Corps took over the Sea Cadets. He twice steered the St Helens unit to success in the prestigious Canada Trophy competition.

Commander Stanton was subsequently appointed District Officer of the Sea Cadet movement and remained a vice-president after retirement; he was deeply committed to the work of the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association (SSAFA) and was honoured by the Queen for his services to youth in1971.

A Freemason, he was a member of the Bryn and Liverpool lodges.

Cremation took place at St Helens yesterday (Wednesday).

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