A memorial bench dedicated to a man dubbed ‘Mr Tipton’ for his tireless efforts to raise the profile of the town has been unveiled.

John Brimble MBE helped found the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, and Tipton Heritage Centre. He died in June 2006, aged 65, of a heart attack in Victoria Park, Tipton.

The bench in the park will be a reminder of the life and work of a man awarded the MBE in 2005 for services to Black Country heritage.

He co-founded the Black Country Society in 1967, founded and chaired Tipton Civic Society in 1988 and was the town’s Heritage Officer from 1995-2002.

John lived in Victoria Road, opposite the park, and bench is funded by Friends of Victoria Park group, of which John was chairman of from 1992-1999.

The bench was formally unveiled by West Bromwich West Labour MP Adrian Bailey at a ceremony yesterday afternoon attended by Mr Brimble’s widow, Doreen.

Afterwards a concert by Halesowen Brass Band was held to celebrate the park winning a Green Flag award for the second year running and in tribute to Sandwell Council’s parks facilities manager Steve West, who died in May.

Mr Bailey said that John Brimble was a true Tiptonian who not only loved the town but also loved the Black Country and dedicated much of his life to it.