A Leominster Cricket Club vice-president who was one of a surviving handful of First World War ex-servicemen has died aged 107, writes PETE BLENCH.

Jasper Cecil Hankin-son, the oldest survivor of the London Scottish Regiment, was awarded the Legion D'Honneur by the French Govern-ment in 1997 for his 1914-18 war service.

Mr Hankinson, who played for Leominster CC before and after the First World War, was a club vice-president at the time of his death and a life-long sports enthusiast who took up croquet after the age of 100.

He spent his early life in Leominster, attending the former British School in Bargates where his father was the headmaster. The family also ran a shop nearby. In 1909 Cecil (as he was known) became one of the first pupils in the new Leominster Grammar School.

His career as a civil servant took him away but he kept up his links with Leominster - his nephew Graham Hankinson and Graham's wife Dorothy live at Stockenhill Road.

Cecil, who died on January 5 in a Warwickshire nursing home, loved to get regular news about Leominster matches and was a guest at the club's 150th anniversary dinner. The club never failed to send its oldest member a birthday card each year.

The veteran's cricket career included spells playing for Shrewsbury and Birmingham Civil Service.

Dorothy Hankinson, who recalled playing croquet with Uncle Cecil a few years ago, said his loving of playing and competing never waned - he had to win!

Dorothy paid tribute to an "icon" who was head of the family, a flirtatious character with a lively personality who had a wonderfully clear mind until the end.

"He was much-loved by all who knew him and will be sadly missed," said Dorothy.

Cecil Hankinson is survived by his son Duncan, granddaughter Jane and three great grandchildren. His funeral was taking place today, Thursday, at Temple Balsall, Warwickshire.