WULSTAN Atkins, who was one of the last links to composer Edward Elgar, has died at the age of 98.

Mr Atkins, godson of the great musician, died in his home town of Wolvingham, in Surrey, on Monday night.

Mr Atkins, MBE, devoted much of his time to preserving the memory and works of his godfather and close friend.

He was president of the Elgar Foundation, based in Lower Broadheath just outside Worcester, and has a room named after him at the Elgar Birthplace Museum.

His own name was even chosen under the influence of Elgar and his Catholicism. There was a church in Little Malvern called St Wulstan's.

Staff at the Foundation said his death has left an "enormous hole" in their lives.

"Wulstan was an extraordinary generous man who was loved by all who knew him," said Michael Messenger, chairman of the Elgar Birthplace Management Committee.

"We owe him an enormous debt - he made the museum what it is today by donating many of the exhibits - including some original manuscripts.

"These were very precious to him, but he wanted to share his link with Elgar with everyone else.

"I believe his father was a great friend of Elgar and Wulstan himself became close to the composer. In fact, he saw Elgar just 10 days before he died in 1934.

"Wulstan was a very intelligent man, who kept his mental faculties to the end.

"His departure has left an enormous hole in a lot of people's hearts."

Mr Atkins was a chartered engineer by trade and worked for some years on the construction of the Forth Bridge.

He suffered a stroke 18 months ago, just before his wife Jane, whom he married in 1945, died.

Mr Atkins leaves behind a son, Robert, and daughter, Katharine, and grandchildren Sandra-Jane, Jeanette, David and Hannah.

His funeral takes place at 12 noon on Monday at St Paul's Church in Wolvingham, followed by cremation.