A WELL-known Worcester dentist has died of cancer at the age of 57.

Bruce Maher had been a partner at Epworth House Dental Surgery in Shrubbery Avenue, for 30 years, until his sudden death from prostate cancer, last weekend.

Mr Maher, who was passionate about steam engines, was a regular visitor to Worcester Rugby Club and a great cricket fan.

He spent hours tending his garden and supplied his family with vegetables grown on his allotment.

He met his wife Isobel, a nurse, when they were both training at King's College Hospital in London. Both fond of walking, they spent many holidays in Austria.

Mr Maher loved to walk the Malvern Hills too, and last year he also completed the length of Offa's Dyke.

"The allotment and garden were somewhere my husband could relax after the stresses and strains of running the very busy dental surgery," said Mrs Maher.

"In fact, he created our garden from nothing because it was a brand new plot when we moved to Worcester 25 years ago."

Mr Maher, of Cromwell Crescent, off London Road, came to Worcester to join the dental practice started by his friend Roger Frow, who died several years ago.

"They built the practice up together and judging by all the wonderful letters I've received he was very much respected," said Mrs Maher.

"He certainly loved his dentistry. He was extremely brave and courageous throughout his illness."

Mr Maher leaves two daughters - Alison and Gillian - and a five-year-old grandson James.

He was born in Northamptonshire, and attended Wellingborough Grammar School before going to King's College. His first job was in Kent.

"My husband loved it up here, but he was a very quite man who didn't like any fuss," said Mrs Maher.

"He was a great family man and was extremely proud of his daughters and his little grandson, who has adopted his love of steam engines. If there was a steam train in the area, he would go along for the ride."

A Requiem Mass will take place at St George's Roman Catholic Church, Sansome Place tomorrow at 2pm followed by a private family burial.

Donations can be made to St Richard's Hospice or the Prostate Cancer Charity c/o E J Gummery and Son.