A former Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex died on Monday at the age of 78.

Major General Sir Philip Ward, KCVO, CBE, who lived in Arundel, died following a long period of declining health and leaves a widow, Pamela, and four children.

Hugh Wyatt, his successor, said: "Philip Ward was one of those few people in whom many and varying attributes are found.

"He was a distinguished soldier, had a high sense of duty and a strong Christian faith. He took an intense interest in the young people of the county and never spared himself in his role as Lord Lieutenant.

"All who came into contact with him used to speak of his love of people and his life-enhancing qualities. The county will be the poorer for his passing and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him."

There will be a private family funeral, followed by a formal memorial service in Chichester Cathedral on Friday, March 14, at 11am.

Sir Philip was Lord Lieutenant from 1994 to 1999, when he retired from the post.

Following a long and distinguished military career, culminating in his appointment as the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Sir Philip retired from the Army in 1979.

He then took on a variety of civilian appointments including Communar of Chichester Cathedral (1980-83), Director of Public Affairs for International Distillers and Vintners (UK) (1980-89) and Chairman of Peter Hamilton Security Consultants (1986-90).

Sir Philip was also a director of a number of companies, including W & A Gilbey and the Southern Region of Lloyds Bank.

He was chairman of Gifford House, the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home at Worthing from 1979-98, and also chairman of the Royal Soldiers Daughters' School from 1980-83.

He was governor and commandant of the Church Lads and Church Girls' Brigade from 1980-86.

Sir Philip was created a Freeman of the City of London in 1976, appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex in 1981, and served as High Sheriff for the county in 1985-86.

From 1990-1994, he was Vice Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex and in 1994 was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the County, a post whose duties he carried out with great distinction until his retirement in 1999.

Jo Holgate, former chief executive of Gifford House, described Sir Philip as inspirational.