A man who paid for the construction of the first surgery in Loddon has died at the age of 99.

Dr Charles Patrick Bennett, better known as Pat, was the senior partner of the Loddon medical practice for 26 years.

Born in 1917, Mr Bennett was raised in Devon and went on to study medicine at Trinity Hall based in Cambridge.

After training at the London Hospital, he worked in Petersfield and Totton before succeeding Dr Maitland in Loddon.

He started work as a GP in the village in 1952. It was later that decade he oversaw the construction of the first purpose-built surgery in Loddon which he paid for himself.

It was located at the rear of 'The Chestnuts' where he and his family lived.

Later, the surgery moved to a premises formerly occupied by Thirtle and Harris, fronting the Church Plain where he worked until he retired in 1978.

For many years during his career he also gave lectures in first aid for St John Ambulance.

Before his medical career, Dr Bennett served in the field ambulance during the Second World War, landing on Sword Beach on D Day and serving in Europe with the Royal Norfolk Regiment.

His bravery was recently recognised with the award of the Legion d'Honneur medal by the French government for the part he played in the liberation of France.

Following his retirement as a GP, Dr Bennett worked until the age 70 for the Blood Donor Service. He enjoyed caravanning in the UK and abroad, and also woodwork, which included wood turning and the making of three rocking horses for the families of each of his children.

In September he and his wife Beth celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

He died on January 27 at Saxon House in the village.

He leaves behind his widow Beth, three children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

There will be a service of thanksgiving for his life, at Holy Trinity Church, Loddon, on Friday, February 24 at 12.30pm. All are welcome to attend the service.

Would you like to pay tribute to someone? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk