THE PEOPLE of Dummer have paid tribute to popular local figure Major Ronald Ferguson following his death at the weekend.

The 71-year-old major, who is the father of Sarah, Duchess of York, and whose family home is at Dummer Down Farm, died last Sunday evening at The Hampshire Clinic in Old Basing.

Major Ferguson - whose second wife Susan was at his bedside when he died - had suffered heart attacks and had been fighting prostate cancer after he fell ill again in 2001.

Local people, including several in Dummer, have paid tribute to Major Ferguson, who had two children, Jane and Sarah, from his first marriage and three - Andrew, Alice and Eliza - from his second.

Mike Williams, who runs Dummer Stores and Post Office, said: "He was much loved in the village, and a very nice fellow. He supported the village in every way he could, and I think he loved Dummer.

"Although the news of his death wasn't totally unexpected, it's still very sad to hear about it when it happens. All our commiserations and thoughts are with his family."

Matthew Sadler, who runs the Queen Inn pub with parents Mike and Maureen, said: "Major Ferguson used to come in quite a lot when his daughter worked here one summer. Although I didn't know him very well, he seemed a very family-orientated guy. He was always very pleasant and came across as genuine. He will be sadly missed.

"I think he was a major figure in keeping Dummer what it is - an unspoilt, very English place. I think that's one of the reasons why so many people here had such a lot of time for him."

Major Ferguson was the president of Dummer Golf Club. Secretary Roger Corkhill issued a statement on behalf of the club, proprietor Bob Watson, and chairman Peter Durrans. He said: "Major Ferguson has been the president of Dummer Golf Club since he sold the land on which our course was built 11 years ago.

"Under his guidance, we created a president's committee to oversee charitable golf events and raise the profile of Dummer Golf Club.

"He was a dynamic and charismatic person who devoted much of his time in support of the club, its committee and members, and throughout his illness he remained actively involved.

"It has been a singular privilege for me to have had the honour of working closely with him. He will be sadly missed."

Basingstoke and Deane borough councillor Harry Robinson was a member of the president's committee and worked with Major Ferguson to raise awareness of prostate cancer locally.

He said: "Major Ferguson's death is a great loss. He will be very sorely missed as a person and for his efforts and work.

"He was prominent in raising awareness and funds for treatment and research into prostate cancer. He put in a tremendous amount of work, but did so very quietly.

"As a member of the president's committee, we will be looking for ways to mark his passing in a manner which reflects the kind of man he was."

Major Ferguson's local MP Sir George Young, who represents North West Hampshire, also paid a personal tribute.

He said: "I could not claim to have known him well, but each time I met him I was struck by his warmth and generosity.

"His grounds were regularly used to help local charities and I admired his work for prostate cancer, which he wrote to me about regularly.

"His courage and cheerfulness in recent months were remarkable, and our thoughts are very much with Susan and his family."