GEOFF Hopcraft, Worcester's best known family and portrait photographer for more than 30 years, has died.

His studio at 57 the Tything, became a regular port of call for babies, brides and grooms, students with degrees, beaming family groups and anyone who wanted a classic photograph taken.

In later life and following his retirement from the business, Mr Hopcraft moved to the West Country. He died at the age of 84 in Clifton, Bristol, following a short illness.

"Geoff will always be remembered for his lyrical and practical approach to the art and craft of photography," said Clive Haynes, leading Worcestershire photographer and fellow of the Royal Photographic Society.

"In addition to his commercial, industrial, wedding and portrait work, Geoff also recorded many scenes in both the city and country and these have been widely published and they form a great archive of local life. Always the gentleman, he will be sorely missed."

Mr Hopcraft was born in Woverhampton. During the Second World War he trained as an RAF flight engineer and became a flight sergeant, fulfilling his childhood dream of flying aeroplanes. He was stationed in Lahore, India, after the war and worked in RAF photographic stores. It was here he developed his interest in photography.

On return from India he was offered a job as assistant to Foy, a Worcester-based photographer. He married Valerie Hoile in 1960 and took over Foy's business, which became Hopcraft Photographers based in the Tything.

Mr Hopcraft was to become Worcester's premier photographer for many years, taking photographs for most of the city's leading businesses, organisations and schools.

His love of music inspired him to teach himself the clarinet and he was a member of Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra. He also volunteered at the Swan Theatre and for Worcester College for the Blind. His son Robin said: "Dad's favourite leisure activities were riding motorcycles as a young man and then flying and aeroplanes.

"He delighted in spending his spare time up in the air in planes such as a Cessna, Tri Pacer or Emeraud. Unfortunately, at the age of 68, while doing a debut flight in the Emeraud he misjudged a landing and the ensuing accident left him with a broken neck and eight weeks in traction in Redditch hospital. "After making a full and miraculous recovery he continued to fly the repaired aircraft for a number of years until his health meant he could no longer hold a flying licence.

"This determination and courage shows what kind of a person he was, but he never talked about the accident or his recovery. He was annoyed that he thought he had made an error of judgment."

Mr Hopcraft left children Malcolm, Robin and Frances and six grandchildren. His funeral service will be at Memorial Woodlands, Thornbury, Bristol, on Thursday, April 24, at 2pm. Donations to St Peter's Hospice, Bristol.