CRICKETER, thatcher, wine-maker, councillor and farmer - one of Hampshire's most colourful characters, Les Curtis, has died.

The Plaitford man, who taught himself to thatch, died in Romsey Hospital at the age of 80. He had been ill for some time and was deeply upset by the death of his grandson Paul Curtis in a car accident last October.

Born in Plaitford, Les had five brothers. Les spent his early years working on his father's farm.

cricket fanatic Les was made the president of the Bunbury Celeb-rity Cricket Club's fan club by the club's captain, David English.

Les's two sons, Keith and Nick, agreed that cricket had played a major role in their father's life. He only gave up playing at the age of 75 when running became a problem.

Les, whose wife Pat died two years ago, also played cricket for Whiteparish, Cadnam and Paultons. His funeral service was held yesterday at St Peter's Church, Plaitford.