FARMER Martin Yarworth, who lived in self-imposed exile for a decade after losing his family home, has died.

The 61-year-old claimed his signature had been forged and that his Newnham-on-Severn farm had been sold from under him, which left him homeless and penniless in 2001.

Rather than go into sheltered accommodation, he embarked on a one-man protest by living in a horsebox in temperatures as low as minus 16C within view of his former home. His plight hit the national headlines.

Despite Underhill Farm being later bought by his cousin Stephen, Martin refused offers to move back in and remained living in the field with his sheep and three stray cats that became his companions.

Juliet Stephenson, vicar of Newnham, Awre and Blakeney, paid tribute to him saying: "I got on with Martin extremely well and found him to be a really nice, charming guy.

"When I broke my arm quite badly he was always asking after me.

"He had a lot of time for people and his death will mean a real loss for the village."

District councillor Diana Edwards (Con, Newnham & Westbury) said Martin was a very familiar sight around the village.

"He was known by everyone and people looked upon him with affection," said Diana.

"It is very sad that he has passed away and my sympathies go out to his family.

"He was the sort of character who was very proud and refused to accept anyone's help."

After initially living in a dilapidated horsebox, Martin moved into an old marquee where his mattress with five duvets lay on the muddy ground.

Aside from his living conditions, Martin's bid to remain living in his field became a cause célèbre when the district council mounted a long and expensive legal battle to evict him.

The David and Goliath battle erupted over the council's claim that he was living illegally in the field as his makeshift home had no planning permission.

His small victories in the courts gave Martin, who said he had often considered committing suicide, much pleasure.

Although he was fined for contempt of court, a judge said it would not have been right to send him to prison.

District council chairman Norman Stephens (Ind, Newnham & Westbury) said the whole situation had been "very unfortunate".

"Everything stemmed from a family squabble but I believe he was in the right," said Norman.

"I and others told him to get advice early on but unfortunately he wouldn't do so.

"He sort of switched himself off and it soon became too late to do anything."

Martin's funeral is due to be held at St Peter's Church in Newnham-on-Severn at 11am on Wednesday, January 11.