A WEYMOUTH man who helped to raise thousands for charity has died.

Father-of-nine John Lea, who was married to Pat, died peacefully at home after losing a battle with cancer.

Mr Lea, 78, supported good causes through his links with St Augustine's Catholic Church and other community groups in Dorset.

He led a charity line dancing group with his wife for 12 years until he fell ill.

Mr Lea served in the Queens Royal Irish Hussars for 22 years and left the army in 1969 when he settled in Weymouth with his family.

He was a member of the March Airs and Weymouth Operatic Society for many years.

Mr Lea's funeral will be held at St Augustine's Church next Wednesday.