A HAMPSHIRE village is mourning the loss of a local historian whose well-known writings and photographs have left the community with a lasting legacy.

Susannah Ritchie died in her sleep at the Brook Lane Rest Home in Brook Lane, Sarisbury last week, aged 94.

A local author, she lived in Bursledon for most of her life and wrote two books about Bursledon and the River Hamble.

Diana Sneezum, a friend from Bursledon, said: "Sue was a repository of knowledge about the village.

"Her mind was very clear and her memory was amazing. If she knew a person was really interested, she would tell fascinating tales about the characters who had lived in the village and about their houses."

Miss Ritchie, who never married or had children, was even familiar with the national history of Sir Mansfield Cumming, who was the founding director of the Secret Service branch MI6.

Mrs Sneezum said: "She was given an extraordinary glass clock built by Sir Mansfield.

"It was about 4ft high and stood in her sitting room until a few years ago when she gave it to the present director, who presented her with two drawings of Sir Mansfield as a thank you.

"Sue was always kind, gentle, and ready to laugh at life's absurdities.

"She was much loved by many people, and it was a privilege to know her."

David Dunn, of Bursledon High Street, was a neighbour of Miss Ritchie for many years.

"I couldn't have wished for a better neighbour," he said.

Miss Ritchie's funeral is due to take place on Wednesday, January 19, at St Leonard's Church, Church Lane, Bursledon, from 2pm.