A campaigner who devoted his time to fighting for rail improvements for his community has died.

Vice-chairman of the Barking Gospel Oak Rail User Group, Richard Pout, suffered a heart attack aged 65.

Mr Pout who lived alone near Crouch Hill Station in North London died ‘a few weeks ago’ according to the group who released a statement this weekend.

Glenn Wallis, secretary of the group paid tribute to his friend.

He said: “With great sadness we have learned of the passing of our Vice-Chair, Richard Pout.

“He was quite ill and had been waiting for some months for a major heart operation.

“In the late 1990s it was Richard who developed and promoted the concept that in due course became the London Overground of today. He will be greatly missed.”

Mr Pout was an active campaigner who, even last year, was holding the authorities to account for transport decisions.

In 2012 he continued to call for an upgrade of the Barking to Gospel Oak line, which includes stops in Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone, arguing it would allow for bigger capacity trains on the "overcrowded" line.

Mr Pout spent decades campaigning for some improvements, including calling for a direct line between Chingford and Stratford, known as the Hall Farm Curve to be re-opened.

During his time with (BGOLUG) Mr Pout was also Chair of Transport 2000's London Region, and spent time as the Community and Environment Group's representative to the London Lea Valley Partnership Transport Group.

A further statement is expected from the group soon.