Former errand boy went on to become an army crackshot and served in Malaya

A FORMER Lyme Regis man has died in Exeter.

Cyril Cozens, who was 80, began his working life as an errand boy for Symes, the one time grocery store on the Coombe Street/Monmouth Street corner.

A former student of the old Lyme Regis Senior School, he leaves a son and daughter, Christopher and Karen, and two grandchildren. He had been a widower for several years ago.

Mr Cozens, who was a keen member of Lyme Regis Army Cadets, signed up for National Service with the Dorset Regiment and was involved in the war in Malaya.

It was during this period that he met the former Mayor of Bridport, Geoff Ackerman, becoming a lifelong friend.

He was keen on sport and was a crack shot, winning a regimental medal as the best light machine gun marksman.

On leaving Lyme following his marriage, he was employed by British Rail and by a couple of major food companies as a delivery driver before ending his working days with Social Services in the children’s department.

In retirement, he was an enthusiastic supporter of Exeter City FC and a keen snooker player.

Cremation has taken place in Exeter.