Tributes have been paid to the ‘wise’ and ‘conscientious’ owner of Sidbury Manor for his commitment in supporting Devon and the village community.

Sir John Cave, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, died on June 14 and has been remembered this week by those who worked with him.

Leading the tributes was the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon, who said Sir John committed his life to the people of Devon, charities, agriculture and heritage as well as his family in the eight years he held the role.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “In this role he had upheld the highest possible standards and had a genuine interest in people.

“He was wise and always gave good advice but was also loyal and very effective, whether in hosting royalty or local charity volunteers.

“We will all miss him enormously for his wisdom, his service and his humour.”

Sir John also served as chairman and most recently president of the Sidbury Fair committee, presenting the villager of the year cup at the annual event – an award he won himself in 2015.

Sue Gooding, from the fair committee, said: “Sir John was a very hard working and conscientious member of the community and Sidbury is a very sad place without him.

“He was very touched [to win the cup] by this and said how much it meant to him.

“The fair this year just won’t seem the same without him. We are all going to miss him greatly.”

Sir John was president of the village hall committee and supported St Giles Church by serving as its lay-chairman on the Proctorial Parish Council.

He was instrumental in the setting up of Sidbury Millennium Greet, donating the land for it to be built on.

Roger Davey of Sidbury Village Hall committee, said: “Without his input and enthusiasm, the green would not have been constructed.”

He was the eldest son of Elizabeth and the late Sir Charles Cave and lived at Sidbury Manor.

Sir John is survived by his wife Carey, three children George, Alice and William and brothers Nick, Tom and Richard.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at the church of St Mary, Ottery St Mary, on Friday, August 31 at 11.30am.