Council clerk who was friend of Billy Wright dies, 84

A long-standing parish council clerk from South Staffordshire, who grew up with Wolves legend Billy Wright, has died. Colin Bennett was aged 84.

Mr Bennett served on Wrottesley, Perton and Bilbrook parish councils for 39 years and tributes have been paid to his community service. He died on July 6 after a battle with cancer.

His son Paul said he loved being at the very forefront of his community.

Mr Bennett was born in Brewood and grew up in Burland Avenue, Tettenhall – three doors away from Wright, who was a year older.

Paul Bennett said: "Dad and Billy were mates. They used to play cricket together in the street.

"Years after Billy had made it into the first team at Wolves and retired from football he met dad and they renewed their friendship."

Mr Bennett started his career in the accounts department at Tettenhall Council, which no longer exists.

He then took up the position of parish council clerk in Wrottesley during the 1950s. After that he was on the parish councils at Perton and Bilbrook

The father-of-two from Heath Farm Road, Codsall, served in the Coldstream Guards for three years at the end of the Second World War as a corporal. He was called up at the age of 18 and served abroad.

He returned home in 1948 when he met his wife-to-be, Gretta.

The pair celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2008, the same year Mrs Bennett, a retired hairdresser, died at the age of 80.

Mr Bennett also leaves behind a daughter, Geraldine, 58.

His funeral takes place tomorrow at Bushbury Crematorium at 11.30am.