A TRUE county gentleman has died, aged 96.

Geoffrey Johnson lived in Herefordshire for the last 50 years of his life and loved the area for its rivers and forests, where he spent a lot of time fishing and shooting.

A talented pianist and keen sportsman, Mr Johnson overcame childhood chest problems to excel at cricket and golf, often enjoying a round with Henry Longhurst.

He got the racing bug in his 60s and had considerable success with his National Hunt horses.

More than a decade ago he featured in the Hereford Times after passing his advanced motoring test at the age of 85.

He also had the distinction of being the oldest Bentley owner in Britain.

Mr Johnson will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.

"He will always be remembered as a truly gifted gentleman who was able to use reasoned argument to convince you he was right," said his daughter, Clarissa.

"He was a real sportsman - a charming man."

Mr Johnson, who died peacefully at his Pengethley home, near Ross-on-Wye, is to be buried next to his wife at St Tysilio's Church in Sellack, near the river where he fished and the woods where he shot.