HE belonged to a breed of scientists typical of post-war Britain, with a restless mind prolific with ideas.

Born in Cambridge, Cockerell also studied engineering at the city's university at Peterhouse College.

In 1935 he began work at the Marconi Company, where he was a member of the team that produced the first radio detection finder which was installed in all British bombers.

He filed dozens of patents throughout his life but will always be best remembered for one invention in particular.

In the early 1950s he started to consider the possibility of travel by hovercraft, a vehicle that can move across land or water on a cushion of air.

It was in 1955 that he successfully tested his legendary idea using two coffee tins and a hairdryer.

The following year he achieved the all-important breakthrough when the Ministry of Supply took up the concept.

The first public appearance of the SRN1 prototype attracted the biggest assembly of national and international media the Isle of Wight had ever witnessed in June 1959.

The demonstration, the press corps accepted, was impressive and convincing, and they dubbed the four-ton marvel the world's first flying saucer.

A month later, it zoomed across the Channel and Cockerell's dream became reality.

His work at Hythe began in 1960 with the setting up of Hovercraft Ltd, which he headed until 1966 when he dramatically resigned because he felt production had become monopolised.

It is believed he was paid just £150,000 for his invention which took over ten years to develop.

Although he always maintained his love for the hovercraft, Cockerell - who was appointed a CBE in 1966 and knighted in 1969 - was disappointed over the lack of effort to develop its potential as a military craft during his time.

Cockerell who lived at Prospect Place, Hythe, with his beloved wife Margaret for many years, died aged 88.

His daughter, Francis Airy, said he had been ill for several months after a fall, but had been mentally alert until the end.

Name: Sir Christopher Cockerell OCCUPATION Inventing the hovercraft Date of birth: June 4, 1910 Died: June 1, 1999 Local Link: Lived in Hythe