HUNDREDS flocked to Cirencester Parish Church this afternoon for a memorial service for The Honourable Mark Vestey who died earlier this month.

Mr Vestey served as chairman of Cirencester Polo Club between 1988 and 1992, and continued to be a popular figurehead for the sport both locally and nationally, despite being wheelchair-bound.

Royals, including Princess Michael of Kent, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, arrived at the Church of St John the Baptist just prior to the proceedings at 2.30pm.

A member of the Cirencester Polo Club, speaking prior to the service, said: "He was a very popular man. In many ways, the polo club won't be the same without him."

From 1995 to 2000 Mr Vestey was also chairman of The Hurlingham Polo Association, the governing body for polo in the UK, Ireland and many other countries throughout the world.

The owner of Foxcote Manor in Andoversford, Eton-educated Mr Vestey was a four goal polo player before suffering a hunting accident in 1984, which left him in a wheelchair.

In his youth, he had played for England in the Coronation Cup in 1971 and won The Gold Cup with Stowell Park in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1980 and in 1977 with his own team Foxcote, among other wins.

Mr Vestey died at the age of 74 at his home on Saturday, November 5.

He is survived by his wife Rosie and three children Tamara, Ben and Carina.