THE founder of the National Bird of Prey Centre in Newent has died, aged 84.

Phillip Glasier was Britain's leading authority on falconry when he set up the Falconry Centre, as it was originally called, in 1967. The centre, which is now run by his daughter, Jemima Parry-Jones, has become the World's largest collection of birds of prey.

Mr Glasier was born in south-west London in 1915. His interest in birds of prey was sparked as a boy by his uncle, Colonel Charles Knight, a well-known falconer.

Following a wartime career in the Royal Armoured Corps, he became a photographer specialising in birds and then became personal falconer to the actor James Robertson Justice in Scotland.

His services as a falconer and trainer were much sought after and he opened up the Falconry Centre to keep these skills alive and to breed birds of prey in captivity.

This was widely thought impossible, but Mr Glasier showed it could be done. The centre now has over 300 birds of some 90 species.

He was also the author of three widely acknowledged classic texts in the field.

Mr Glasier retired in 1982 and went to live in Scotland for a while, but later returned to this area. He was living in Gorsley, Gloucester-shire, at the time of his death.

His funeral was held last Friday (September 15) at St Peter's church, Cliffords Mesne.

"It was very well attended, considering the fuel crisis," said his daughter, Dinah Glasier. "The church was full. But nevertheless there were quite a few people who could not attend, so we are thinking of holding a memorial service, perhaps some time next year."