THE OXFORD Mail’s founding librarian Alec Russell, who died aged 88, was a “perfectionist” whose meticulous nature saw him asked to train Westminster Press employees.

Mr Russell set up the library archive for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times in 1954 and worked for the paper for 34 years.

His only son Martin described him as a “perfectionist”.

Mr Russell was a long term member of the Royal British Legion – selling poppies in Botley’s shopping centre and at Oxford railway station – and also cleaned the tombstones of four ex-servicemen at St James’ Church, Cowley, once a month, volunteering for the War Graves Commission.

He was a North Hinksey parish council member for 28 years, treasurer of North Hinksey Horticultural Society and deputy chairman of Botley Primary School, and was presented with an award by Vale of White Horse District Council in 2011 for services to the community.

Alec Russell was born on May 23, 1927 in Leeds to parents Walter, a carpenter, and Eveline.

He had three sisters Edna, Dorothy and Blanche and a brother Sidney.

After finishing school he started working at the Yorkshire Evening News during the war as a copy boy before being transferred to the library to start training.

In the wartime years he also joined the National Fire Service as a cyclist messenger reporting for duty every time there was an air raid.

It was his passion for cycling in his spare time that led him to meet his future wife May. On a Sunday cycle ride, his friend brought his girlfriend, who in turn decided to bring a friend, May, to complete a quartet. The couple were married at St Martin’s Church, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, on August 18, 1951, and son Martin was born in 1957.

They moved to Oxford in April 1954 after he accepted a job as the founding librarian for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times.

He single-handedly created the paper’s extensive archives at the New Inn Hall Street offices before transferring them to the current headquarters in Osney Mead in 1972.

He was often heard telling off reporters for failing to put cuttings back exactly where they found them.

And his perfectionism paid off as it was recognised as one of the best newspaper libraries in the country. He was asked by Westminster Press to organise library courses for trainees – a task he performed for many years.

He retired from the paper in 1988 after 34 years of service.

He juggled his work with a commitment to the community and served on North Hinksey Parish Council from 1962 to 1990 as an independent councillor.

In his retirement he unsuccessfully campaigned against the closure of Iffley House and Osney Court – residential facilities for the elderly.

During retirement he enjoyed many walking holidays abroad with his wife May – their passion for walking stemmed from long strolls over the Yorkshire Moors in the 40s and 50s.

Mr Russell requested his ashes be scattered at the top of Win Hill in the Hope Valley, where the couple spent many happy holidays.

He leaves behind his wife May, 87, and son Martin, 58.