A COMMUNITY spirited man, who could often be spotted driving his customised Pontiac car painted with Sponge Bob Square Pants cartoon figures around Ferndown, has died aged 45.

Martin Pitman was involved in local life on many levels, despite having a genetic illness that gradually attacked his muscles, affecting his mobility.

He adored his wife Helen and their two daughters Dallas, 13, and Shola, 10.

Through his job, working mainly for parcel companies, he drove large goods vehicles, lorries and double trailers the length and breadth of the country and also abroad to Spain, Portugal and Saudi Arabia.

He also loved motorbikes and American cars, and being involved as a volunteer youth worker for nearly 15 years, he took local children's advice when he swapped the cartoons on his car from Sylvester and Tweety Pie to Sponge Bob Square Pants.

While his health permitted, he was a member of the Spiderman Band, and he starred as Father Christmas in the town's 2006 extravaganza.

He also assisted with Ferndown Carnival, helping Helen to organise the children from her business Karlen Stage School to join the parade and then as characters on a float. In 2006, he organised a car show to run simultaneously with the carnival.

Last year, he spent the day talking to continental market stall holders, making people feel welcome and removing the refuse in his own vehicle.

Helen said: "He had a heart of gold. He was larger than life and was very supportive of me with the dancing school."

Martin's health deteriorated rapidly from June and he passed away on December 21.

Helen said she wanted to thank the occupational therapists in Ferndown and social worker Pam Davis for their exceptional help.

The funeral service will be held at Poole crematorium at 11.30am tomorrow.

The hearse is to be followed to the crematorium by a motorbike cortege, while Helen and their daughters will travel in an American Dodge car.

Flowers and donations are being accepted, with donations being divided between West Moors and Ferndown youth centres.