A PROUD Yorkshireman, war hero and farmer, has died in York at the age of 80.

Lord Martin Fitzalan Howard, of Brockfield Hall, near Warthill, brother of the 17th Duke of Norfolk, died on Friday.

One of eight children, Lord Martin, son of Lady Beaumont and Lord Howard, of Carlton Towers, near Selby, was born in 1922.

He served in the Grenadier Guards, and fought in Europe during the Second World War, landing in Normandy shortly after D-Day.

He was badly wounded in a tank accident, but served in Palestine between 1945 and 1946. He married Bridget Keppel shortly after his return to England in 1949.

The couple had four daughters, Clare, Sarah, Amanda, and Rose, and one son, Philip. They also had ten grandchildren.

Lord Martin bought and restored his home, Brockfield Hall, in 1951, and lived there until his death.

A proud Yorkshireman, he made a great contribution to the county he loved.

He spent all his working life farming Carlton Towers, his mother's family estate, returning it to a strong footing after financial difficulties in the 19th century.

He also held the roles of Deputy Lieutenant of the County, Justice of the Peace, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, and president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

He was a supporter of many charities, holding annual garden parties for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers, helping rural charities and festivals, and supporting Lady Bridget in her role as Chief Steward of Selby Abbey.

A devout Roman Catholic, he was also a Knight of Malta which means he was a Papal Knight, and played a major role in organising the Pope's visit to York in 1981.

He kept the special seat used by the Pope and treasured it until his death.

His son-in-law, Simon Wood, said: "He said to me, just a few days ago: 'When I die, I know exactly where I am going, and I want to get there'.

"He had an incredibly strong faith."

Mr Wood said: "We have had such beautiful tributes for him, people saying that when he walked into a room it lit up, and it really did.

"My tribute would be one paid to my own grandfather: 'A man greatly loving, greatly loved'."

Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, August 05, 2003