A local historian famed for his superb knowledge of Sussex has died at the age of 82.

Tony Wales wrote more than 40 books examining the county's traditions and customs, folklore and folk music.

Born in Horsham, he remained there nearly all his life. His family said they had been overwhelmed by messages of condolence since his death last weekend.

Daughter Mary Tierney said it seemed as if he knew almost everyone in the town.

Family friend Sean Goddard, of the University of Sussex library, said: "There is probably no household in Sussex that doesn't have a book by Tony Wales. He wrote about historical Sussex traditions and village affairs for the general reader. Tony's continued output of Sussex books during his life is to be commended.

"Tony led his life in the style of a true gentleman - he treated everybody he met with dignity, interest and courtesy."

During a varied career, Mr Wales worked for Scott and Sargeant ironmonger in Horsham, a record shop in Dorking and as a self-employed stamp dealer. In 1957 he recorded the first LP of traditional Sussex Folk Songs, for Folkways Records in New York.

In the Sixties and Seventies he opened a shop and handled publicity for the English Folk Song and Dance Society and worked as a bookseller for Stevens & Brown in London.

Mr Wales took early retirement following a heart attack and set up his own folklore book business Field and Farrow.

He also started writing. His first book was We Wunt Be Druv, a title in Sussex dialect that says Sussex people will not be pushed around.

His book Sussex Garland has been published five times. West Sussex Village Book (1999) and A Sussex Childhood (2001) are still available in bookshops.

Fifty years ago Mr Wales founded the Horsham Song Swappers folk club, which still runs today. He also formed the Derry Downers, for whom he played drums for 25 years. He founded and for several years ran the Horsham Folk Festival.

Mr Wales married when he was nearly 40. He is survived by his wife Sue, 81, two daughters Mary, 41, and Hilda, 39 and two granddaughters. Mrs Tierney said: "He was a great family man.

"He was thrilled to have two daughters, which was what he always wanted. We have many happy memories."

Mr Wales moved to Worthing for a short while, but soon went back to the traditional market town he loved.

Mr Goddard said: "His passion for village life in Sussex was unparalleled. He followed in the footsteps of the early folklorists in noting down the surviving traditions, tales and songs and making his researches available for all."

Mr Wales died of respiratory failure in Worthing Hospital on Saturday. His funeral will take place at St John Roman Catholic Church in Horsham on Friday, March 23 at 10am. Family flowers only but donations to the Latin Mass Society care of Freeman Brothers at 9 North Parade, Horsham or on 01403 254590.