West Country bids farewell to Gloucestershire's oldest resident

Dozens will gather to celebrate the life of Gloucestershire's oldest resident after the 110-year-old died last month.

Ralph Hoare passed away on January 29, almost a year after visiting Cheltenham Festival as a special guest.

The tickets came after a lucky trip to the doctors surgery when a nurse heard he wanted to return to the festival after 40 years.

According to Ralph's daughter Kate, the 110-year-old liked to bet but he never won.

She said: "He doesn't bet very much. Usually about 10p a horse...but don't tell anyone!"

Ralph Hoare was born in 1909 and was one of the country's last surviving Edwardians.

As well as horse racing, Ralph had a passion for playing the piano.

He started playing the instrument at the age of six in 1915.

When ITV News visited Ralph before the Gold Cup in 2018, he told us the other item on his bucket list was to "go on safari in Africa."

His funeral is taking place at St Catharine's Church in Gloucester.

Ralph is survived by two children, six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.