February 9, 2001 9:21: INVENTOR George Fairfoul, who created one of the world's smallest radios at the age of 11, has died after falling ill behind the wheel of his car.

The 90-year-old, who was engaged to be married, is believed to have pulled-up onto a verge before his heart gave out while he was driving along Clay Lane in Booker last Wednesday.

The miniature radio, which took Mr Fairfoul three years to make, was placed on show for many years at the Science Museum in London from 1921.

Mr Fairfoul, from Mayorfield House, Queens Road, Marlow, was described as a kind and popular man. He was set to marry Ivy Dutton, 72, from Romney Court, Marlow. The couple had been together since 1994 and were about to announce a date for their wedding.

She said: "He meant a lot to me. It was lovely the way he proposed to me. He did it in front of everyone at a birthday party. I'll never forget it."

She added: "He used to call me about three times a day, and just for a second I forget and still think it is him when the phone rings. We really enjoyed each other's company and we used to see each other every night. I loved him a lot."

George was born in Dartford, Kent and lived in Scotland. He moved to Bucks with his first wife Violet 30 years ago looking for work. Mr Fairfoul lost his wife in 1993. He worked at Jacksons in Bourne End and then to Austin Handling Services Limited in Wooburn Green, retiring at the age of 88.

His grand-daughter Violet Fitzgerald, said: "George was a kind and popular gentleman and will be missed. He achieved a lot in his life. He was very calm and intelligent. He was an interesting man and so tolerant. We always used to have a laugh."

He will be buried at the Cemetery Chapel at Weathered Road, Marlow, next Friday at noon.

He leaves behind three children, Isobella, Janet and Sybil, nine grand-children and eight great-grand children.

David Langton