THE fiance of a Hampshire artist killed by a grizzly bear is locked in a court battle with his son over the ownership of several of his works.

James Percy-Lancaster is suing Cherry Reksten, claiming she has several paintings by his late father, Trevor, which belong to him.

Trevor, 46, was killed by an eight-foot grizzly in September 1992 while on holiday in a remote forest in Alberta, Canada.

He died a hero, saving the life of Miss Reksten.

She had climbed up a tree but the 22-stone bear pulled her down and attacked her before Trevor distracted the animal. He was mauled and suffered massive head and leg injuries and died at the scene.

Miss Reksten suffered severe injuries and spent several weeks in hospital. She needed two skin grafts on her scalp.

The death sent shockwaves through Winchester, where Trevor was a well-known and popular figure, working as an art tutor.

Miss Reksten, a complementary therapist, of Mews Lane, Winchester, disputes the claim by James, who is now in his mid-20s.

Giving evidence in the highly unusual dispute, Miss Reksten, now in her mid-50s, told Win-chester County Court: "At the time of the accident I had approximately 55 framed works. I was so traumatised I didn't know what was going on in this country.''

The court heard there was concern over the use of several paintings after the death.

A former partner of Trevor told the court she was surprised that certain paintings appeared at a posthumous exhibition in 1993 at Winchester Guildhall.

Sue Oldfield said: "I was intrigued to see a painting of my son in an exhibition supposedly loaned by the public.

"We just sat next to this painting of my son and looked and looked and looked at it because we couldn't believe it was there. There were paintings of people who were our mutual friends."

She told the hearing that Trevor kept many pictures for his own enjoyment.

She said: "Why would they be in an exhibition at all? These were paintings that he wouldn't have sold to the public."

Ms Oldfield complained that she had been kept in the dark after Trevor's death. "We've been denied information about the estate all along.''

Miss Reksten said Trevor, of Meon House, Milland Road, Highcliffe, had wanted to cut ties with former partners including his wife, Marilyn, and Ms Oldfield.

The case continues today. Summing-up will take place next Wednesday.