'True gentleman' of Dorset dies, aged 105

The Dorset village gardener who became Britain's oldest worker has died after a brave battle against cancer, aged 105.

Jim Webber, from Stoke Abbot, died peacefully last Sunday. He would have been 106 on Christmas Eve.

Mr Webber had a lifetime of labour, during which he ran the family's dairy farm before setting up a gardening business in 1975.

The hardy countryman never had a holiday in his life and continued mowing lawns, pruning trees and weeding flower beds until he was 104, making him the oldest working man in Britain.

And Mr Webber offered his services to the village for just £3 an hour – although he was reluctant even to charge that much.

"He used to charge £2, until he said he was ever so sorry but he would have to put the money up to £3 to cover the cost of petrol for his mower when prices started going up," said his daughter, Kathy Webber, who lives in the family home and cared for her father.

"It was his love of being outside that kept him going so long I think.

"When he was 104 and the autumn came, he stopped because it was getting cold and damp.

"He was all set to go back in the spring but after not being so active over the winter, his legs just didn't function.

"He was quite upset when he had to tell people he was packing it in, he felt he was letting them down but they quite understood.

"He loved to work. He never had a holiday but he didn't really want one."

Mr Webber developed cancer and had treatment in Bridport Hospital. Six weeks ago he moved to Broadwindsor care home, where he spent his final days.

"He said to me, "it's nice here, I like it", which was such a comfort because I felt guilty that he'd had to leave his house, but he was quite poorly by then," said Miss Webber.

"He was quite courageous, the way he fought the cancer at his age.

"He slotted straight in with everyone at the home but that was just him, he was such a lovely, kind man who got on with everyone.

"He never seemed his age, he was in touch with the modern world."

Mr Webber's wife Dorothy died aged 95 in 2001, followed by his brother Jack in 2005, also 95. The family always played a part in village life after moving to Stoke Abbot in the 1930s.

Jim and Jack used to carry the village standard and lead the parade at the annual street fair. Now his son George 78, will continue the tradition.

"Dad used to love that, he never missed it. It was always the highlight of his year," said Miss Webber.

The village hall was packed to celebrate Mr Webber's 105th birthday in 2007, and next Wednesday they will remember the "true gentleman" after his funeral.

A service will be held in St Mary's Church at 2pm followed by a private burial, when a peel of bells will ring out in his honour.

"He was a bell ringer at one time but he had to stop it because the morning and evening services clashed with the milking.

"He wanted to carry on but even he couldn't do everything at once. He was a true gentleman, we will all miss him," said Miss Webber.