Tributes have been paid to a much-respected Suffolk angler after he died on New Year’s Eve.

George Alderson, who lived in Ipswich, was 84 when he passed away after a life-time of supporting and building the angling community across Suffolk.

Alderson, who worked as a lorry driver for the British Oxygen Company, was born in Durham and moved to Suffolk as a youngster.

He took over as secretary of the Gipping Angling Preservation Society (GAPS) from Tom Cook back in 1969.

He then served as president of the club from 2003 to 2013.

In his time at the club, he transformed it, acquiring new fishing waters and raising membership to a peak of 1,200 in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

He first presented the club with the Hospital Shield, which is still fished for every year, and raised money for Ipswich Hospital.

Peter Pollard, the current club chairman, said Alderson will be much-missed.

In a statement on the club website – www.gippinggaps.co.uk – Alderson said: “Our thoughts are with his family and sons Gary, Wayne, John and Tony.

“The contribution George made to GAPS was immeasurable.

“He took over as secretary in 1969 from Tom Cook.

“George worked tirelessly for the society for 34 years as secretary until 2003 when he stood down to become president.

“George, with the help of his wife Bruna, quickly established themselves within the society and went on to acquire the fishing rights on Barham Pits.

“At the time GAPS only had two still waters Kingsfleet at Felixstowe and Tattingstone Lake (which is now part of Alton Water).

Thereafter, GAPS grew steadily with Loudham Decoy lower reaches of the Gipping, River Stour and of course Alderson Lake, which the society owns.

“George was always proud of the fact that GAPS was established in 1868 and is still one of the oldest angling clubs, I personally don’t know of one older.

“Following on from this, how many angling clubs own their own lake?

“Not many is the answer. At its peak GAPS membership topped 1,200.

“George was a man who always spoke his mind and this in turn always got the job done.

“He will be sadly missed – but his legacy will carry on.”

- Alderson’s funeral service will be held at 3pm on Tuesday January 24 at Seven Hills Crematorium.