Although he was not strictly a resident of the village, living at the Purlieu in Upper Colwall, many West Malvern people will have been saddened by the news of the death of Peter Ward, one of the real characters of the local community.

A fluent Arabic speaker, he often regaled regulars at the Brewers Arms and the Lamb with tales of his remarkable wartime adventures as an intelligence officer in the Middle East and North Africa.

He was notable also for his collection of old vehicles (which included an elderly Cadillac and even a small aircraft which he was determined to restore to working order!). He was widely known and respected for his technical expertise in the world of vintage cars and often attended motor events and jumble sales at Beaulieu in Hampshire.

Never the smartest of men in his dress and personal appearance, there was much local hilarity some years ago when in a cricket club raffle Pete won a bottle of Chanel aftershave! He will be remembered with affection.

On Sunday, well-known local singers, the Vital Spark West Gallery Quire, will be joining the congregation for evensong at St James's Church.

The group, who practise regularly in the Village Hall, have sung previously in the church but this will be the first time they have sung a service.

There will be a retiring collection for Cancer Research and light refreshments served afterwards.