Tributes have poured in for a “one of a kind” former Second World War royal engineer.

Captain Robert Edwards, who died last week aged 95, also worked as the Loughton’s chief borough engineer and surveyor from 1960 onwards.

The grandfather later became the planning officer with Chigwell Urban District Council based in the old Town Hall where Sainsbury’s now stands.

His daughter, Christine Dick, said: “He was a gentleman. He was one of those older traditional gentlemen and was really important to people in Loughton. He was one of a kind really.”

Mr Edwards joined the Royal Engineers during the Second World War just when he was about to start training with his uncle in Leyton.

He married his wife Patsy in 1950 and the pair spent 61 years together before her death in 2011.

He is survived by his daughter and son Robert, along with four grandchildren.

When speaking about her father’s time during the war, the retired secondary school teacher said: “He was well respected with all his men and kept in touch with them after the war.

“He even kept in touch with their families when they passed away. I think that is what made him so successful."

After the war, in January 1947, he worked as a junior engineer assistant while taking evening classes towards his Institute of Civil Engineering and Municipal Engineering exams.

The former chief planning inspector was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst Hill for his outstanding service for 29 years in and outside the club through his good work for the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“When the war happened he was about to start work with his uncle as an engineer in Leyton. But war broke out and he went off and when he came back his uncle had retired,” said Ms Dick.

“But he managed to rise to the top.

“He retired early in November 1973 and began a new career in city planning, having to take even more exams, before retiring in December 1981.

“Throughout his term of office he was known for his integrity and fairness and was respected by everyone who worked for him.”

“He was a very important person a long time ago and I thought it would be nice for people to remember just how lovely he was.”

Anyone who knew Mr Edwards is invited to a memorial service on Monday, January 16, at St Mary’s Church, High Road, Loughton at 3.30pm.