A popular horse owner and breeder who won praise for his volunteer work has died.

Major Richard Wilson, of Great Hockham, died on August 15 aged 83.

Major Wilson was born in Sevenoaks and educated at Harrow School, and went onto to serve in the army for 25 years. He served in the Suffolk regiment, which later became the Royal Anglians.

After retiring Major Wilson worked in probate for the firm Partridge and Wilson and began volunteering with the armed forces charity, Ssafa.

His son Patrick Wilson said: 'His volunteer work was one of his proudest achievements as Ssafa helps not only armed forces veterans, but their children and husbands or wives as well. He felt passionate about it because he was a great family man.'

Major Wilson was awarded an MBE for his work with Ssafa in 2004. He was also a president of the Wretham and Hockham Royal British Legion, and ran his late father's farm on Exmoor for many years.

He and his wife, Rachel Wilson, bred horses and were heavily involved in point-to-point, a form of amateur horse racing over fences.

As well as his wife, he is survived by three children and six grandchildren. Mr Wilson said: 'He was a wonderful father and grandfather and gave his all to the local community in the local villages.'

A service of remembrance will be held the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Shropham on September 6 at 2.30pm.