A MAN who spend a lifetime dedicated to restoring a dilapidated Worcestershire church has died at the age of 98.

Francis John Somers died of old age at his home at Camp Farm, Great Witley.

The father-of-two - who went into the family's steel forging business Walter Somers Ltd in Halesowen, eventually becoming chairman - had a love of building paths and walls, earning him the nickname of "Jack The Wall".

And he was behind the restoration of Shelsley Walsh church, near Clifton upon Teme, setting up a fund for the scheme about 35 years ago and raising thousands of pounds.

His funeral is set to be held on Tuesday, February 15 at Shelsley Beauchamp church.

His son John said he would be sorely missed. "He was tremendous fun, but quite strict. I think as a boy I was a little bit frightened of him!"

Mr Somers was born in Halesowen near Birmingham and schooled in Cothill and Radley, both near Oxford.

Family business

After completing his studies he joined the family business and helped build up the company's die block trade - for making items such as engine parts - to make it one of the world's leading suppliers.

He built his first house in Halesowen, before moving to their house in the town when his parents relocated to Wales.

He met his wife Sheila at a dance in Leicester and they were married in Hoby, Leicestershire in 1931. She died in 1999 after a fall at their home.

Mr Somers, a keen gardener, was Worcestershire commissioner for the St John Ambulance Brigade, subsequently becoming Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire for his services to the public.

It was through his love of building that he became involved in restoring the Ffestiniog railway, which runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog.

The pensioner was also the president of the British Iron and Steel Federation and a trustee of the Madresfield estate in Malvern.

He later moved to Great Witley, retiring at the age of 65.

He leaves behind two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.