Coronation standard bearer Francis Dymoke dies, aged 68

Francis Dymoke, from Scrivelsby, carried the Royal Standard into Westminster Abbey on 6 May

A Lincolnshire aristocrat who played a key role during King Charles III's Coronation in May has died aged 68.

Francis Dymoke, 34th Lord of Scrivelsby and 8th of Tetford, carried the Royal Standard into Westminster Abbey, leading the way for the King and Queen.

Mr Dymoke's family has held the title of the King or Queen's Champion since the 14th Century.

The mayor of Horncastle described the former accountant and farmer as a "welcoming and friendly character".

Councillor Matt Wilkinson, who is also chairman of Horncastle Council, added: "The town council is deeply saddened by the passing of The King's Champion, Francis Dymoke of Scrivelsby."

'Pillar of community'

Mr Wilkinson described Mr Dymoke as "very welcoming and open, happy to always be engaging and involved with the community".

"He was very much a pillar of the community, somebody that could be relied upon," he added.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Mr Dymoke, from Scrivelsby, near Horncastle, was the 34th member of his family to take up the role of King or Queen's Champion.

His father, Lt Col John Dymoke, served as Queen Elizabeth II's Champion and was standard bearer at the late monarch's coronation in 1953.

Discussing his role in the ceremony prior to the Coronation, Mr Dymoke said he was "certainly honoured".

"I'm following in the footsteps of 33 ancestors who will be looking over my shoulder and making sure I do the job properly."