A distinguished atomic scientist who advised the Government in the aftermath of the Chenobyl disaster has died John Dunster, 83, left, who lived in Oxfordshire for the past 15 years and was an internationally recognised figure his field, died on Sunday, April 23.

His career in nuclear science begun in 1946 when he started work for the British Atomic Energy programme at Harwell, Risley and Sellafield, in what became the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

He was called in to help when a fire broke out in Sellafield in 1957 and played a central role in the decision making process when the Chenobyl nuclear reactor exploded 20 years ago.

Mr Dunster was born in Sussex and educated at University College School. He graduated from Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, in 1942 with a first class honours degree in Physics.

He then worked for the Admiralty on acoustics research involving torpedoes and submarines.

During his career he also served on the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU), and from 1982 to 1992, he was the UK representative to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).

He was made a Companion, Order of the Bath (CB), by the Queen in 1979.

In 1988 he was elected a Fellow of the Society for Radiological Protection.

Mr Dunster married Rose in 1945 and the couple had four children Pat, Sue, Nick and Kate.

His daughter Sue said: "We remember his unswerving support for all his children, his devotion to Mum.

"But this was not an exclusive 'club' friends and partners were welcomed into the family circle and Dad was a faithful and loyal friend to many.

"Although he was working hard, and travelling quite a lot, when we were growing up he was a constant support, he provided an example of honesty and loyalty to which we all aspire."

Colleague Roger Clarke said: "John had a great intellect and a quick mind.

"It meant that he revelled in the cut and thrust of debates.

"He was very forward-looking and always anxious to improve on what had been done before. His input will be missed."