ONE of the most prominent land owners in the Wantage area has died, aged 90.

Christopher Lewis Loyd was head of the 7,500-acre Lockinge Estate, home to some 60 commercial units and 150 homes.

During his life he won a Military Cross while fighting in Italy during the Second World War, became the youngest-ever magistrate at Wantage Magistrates Court, was president of the Ardington and Lockinge Royal British Legion and a friend of Princess Margaret.

He inherited the Lockinge Estate from his father, A. Thomas Loyd, in 1943 while on active service in Italy as a Captain in the Coldstream Guards.

Mr Loyd died at home on July 14 and the funeral will be held at All Saints Church, Lockinge at noon today. His family have asked for no flowers, but donations to CL Loyd Charitable Trust, c/o Lockinge Estate Office, Ardington, Wantage, OX12 8PP.