THE village of Hagley is in mourning following the death of Viscount Cobham in Spain last Thursday.

The 63-year-old had been ill for some time and was in Spain for health reasons, having left his family home at Hagley Hall.

His funeral will take place on the continent before his ashes are returned to the UK.

In a statement, his family said: "Lord Cobham died on Thursday, July 13, in Spain. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. There will be a private funeral in Spain when the formalities have been completed.

"It is too early to talk about the future of the hall and how it will move forward."

Hagley Parish Council clerk, Catherine Humphries, said: "Councillors were saddened to hear the news of the death of Lord Cobham and expressed their condolences to the family."

The 11th Viscount Cobham was descended from Sir John Lyttelton, who acquired the estate in 1564. The present hall was built in the mid-18th century by the first Lord Lyttelton. Set in 350 acres of park land, it is regarded as one of the finest houses of its type in the country.

In recent years the twice married viscount has been forced to sell antiques from the stately home to fund its multi-million pound running costs.

Lord Cobham was associated with Bromsgrove's Primrose Hospice. Primrose chief executive Alvin Robinson said: "We were all extremely sad to learn about Lord Cobham's death. It came rather unexpectedly. He has been associated with us for years and he was a charming and generous man. We would all like to pass on our condolences to Lady Cobham."