Last of the real farm-hands dies aged 100

Well-known Ninfield figure Sidney Blake, who celebrated his century in March, passed away peacefully on Tuesday.

Daughter Marjorie Sharp said: "He was the best dad in the world. He was the perfect gentleman and loved everybody.

"He just appreciated life. People loved him and it's as simple as that."

Sid, who celebrated 74 years of marriage to 94-year-old Ivy Blake in February, lead a fascinating life.

Born in Hampshire, he left school at 14, and worked as a shepherd with his father.

At first, his duties included taking water to threshing machines, ploughing fields and working with Shire horses, but his skills grew, and for several years he was champion ploughman for Laughton and District.

Before he married, Sid won Ivy's wedding ring through a series of bare-knuckle boxing matches with stablehands.

Alan Walker, volunteer at the Mountfield branch of the Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind, where Sid enjoyed spending his time, said: "Our Sid was well loved and respected by all his friends at the club.

"He had a quiet air of authority about him, and a wonderful dry sense of humour.

"We dearly loved that man."

Sid Blake is survived by his wife Ivy, five children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service at Eastbourne Crematorium begins at 1.45pm on Thursday (January 7). Family flowers only, but donations are welcomed to Cancer Research UK or the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI), c/o Serenity, 43 South Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, 01323 736446.

Did you know Sid or his family? Please leave your tribute to him below.