Former Marlborough College gardener and bee farm worker Michael Chessell has died at the age 67.

Mr Chessell died at Coombe End Court in Marlborough where he stayed following lengthy stays in hospital.

He had suffered several strokes and had developed Alzheimer's disease.

He lived with his wife Anne in Lower Prospect, Marlborough.

The couple met at the Royal British Legion Club. She said: "He asked a friend of mine for a dance and, when she refused, he asked me instead!"

The couple married in 1972 and lived at Lower Prospect. They had two daughters and four grandsons.

His wife said: "He was a devoted family man and husband and adored me, the girls and the grandsons."

Mr Chessell went to St Peter's and the secondary modern, then on to The Common.

After school he went into farming and the building trade, travelling all over the country to deliver hives for the former Gales honey farm in Marlborough.

But his love was gardening and he developed a career as gardener at the town's public school.

Mr Chessell had a stroke 18 months ago, followed by several mini strokes, before developing Alzheimer's disease. His wife praised the care he received during his last months at Coombe End Court.

Cremation takes place at Swindon at 11am today.

In lieu of flowers his family has asked for donations to Alzheimer's Research c/o funeral director Dianne Mackinder, Wagon yard, London Road, Marlborough.