Charities backed by the late Kingsley Squire will receive a boost from Salcombe Regis Fair in June.

Its committee has dedicated this year’s event to the memory of the 78-year-old, who was a big supporter of the festivities.

The fair will raise money for the Admiral Nurse Campaign, Sidmouth Living With Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Action. All were causes close to Kingsley’s heart.

‘Larger than life’ character Kingsley, pictured at the fair in 2012, was also a committee member of the Sidmouth branch of the RNLI for 25 years and supported Sidmouth Men’s Forum, Salcombe Regis Church and Kennaway House among his many community exploits.

Journalist Kingsley, who wrote for the Herald for 25 years following a career that saw him work in Fleet Street, died in November following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike Newman, chairman of Salcombe Regis Fair, said: “In memory of Kingsley, whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer, the fair will this year support three charities he had personally strongly supported and publicised.”

Mr Newman added: “As Kingsley always said ‘now is the time to empty your attics and send it to Salcombe Regis Fair’.”

Kingsley’s involvement with the Sid Valley Memory Café saw him play a key role in helping launch a campaign, in partnership with the Herald, to raise £100,000 for an Admiral Nurse. Kingsley penned the Herald’s all-important first article announcing the appeal.

Adrian Ford, trustee of the memory café, said: “It is great news that the Memory Cafe’s Admiral Nurse Campaign has been chosen as one of the charities close to Kingsley Squire’s heart to benefit from this year’s Salcombe Regis Country Fair. Kingsley was a huge supporter of our campaign and played a big part in getting it off the ground. It is so sad that he will not be able to meet the Sid Valley’s Admiral Nurse when they arrive.”

Following his diagnosis in July last year, Kingsley held events to raise funds for, and awareness of, Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Last Friday, committee member Sheelagh Michelmore MBE held a coffee morning in aid of the fair and raised £374. The money will go towards its flower show. The floral display will be on show in Salcombe Regis Church from Saturday, May 28, to Sunday, June 5.

Salcombe Regis fair day will take place on Thursday, June 2, from 2pm.

Donations for the fair will be gratefully received by either Mike Newman 01395 513313 or Robin Laird 01395 513948.