MOURNERS were expected to pack two Worcestershire churches today to pay their respects to the 11th Earl of Coventry.

George William Coventry, of Earl's Croome, died on Friday, June 14, following a heart attack.

The 68-year-old, who had been staying at a family home in Spain with his wife Rachel, Countess of Coventry, had been admitted to a Malaga hospital two days earlier

His funeral was due to take place at noon today at Upton-upon-Severn parish church, followed by internment at Earl's Croome church.

The grieving Countess said the death of her husband, known as Bill, had been a terrible shock.

"He was a kind, generous and brave man, who will never be forgotten," she said.

"He was a real character with a wicked sense of humour - something that remained right to the last day.

"We were hoping to celebrate our 10th anniversary in July but that's not to be."

The Earl inherited the title at the age of six when his father was killed in action with the Worcestershire Regiment in 1940.

Eton and Sandhurst educated, he worked at Lloyds of London and was an officer in the Coldstream Guards. He later worked for Worcester firm Heenan and Froude Ltd.

A trustee of the Countess' charity, Noah's Ark Trust, and Worcestershire County Cricket Club patron, he lost his only son Edward, Viscount Deerhurst, five years ago.

His cousin, Francis Henry Coventry, is heir to the title.