A CHARITY walk has raised more than £1,000 in memory of an 84-year-old man who died after a fire at his Hampshire home.

About 30 friends and relatives of retired engineer John Scott took part in the 10km walk, which was held in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance service.

The air ambulance was called out after a blaze broke at Mr Scott's bungalow at Linden Way, Pennington, last month.

The pensioner was rescued by firefighters and placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sponsored walk was organised by Lily Jones, a family friend, who wanted to celebrate Mr Scott's life as well as thank the medics who rushed to his aid. Those taking part included his daughter Lucy and nine-year-old granddaughter Alice.

After setting out from The Ferryman in Undershore Road, Lymington, the walkers visited East End and Norley Wood before returning to the pub.

As reported in the Daily Echo, firefighters from Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Lymington, New Milton and St Mary's were called to Linden Way, Pennington, at around 7.30pm on October 11.

Mr Scott was alone in the property when the blaze broke out.

Firefighters broke into the L-shaped bungalow and found him unconscious in the lounge. He was carried to safety but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The blaze is thought to have started in the kitchen. Firefighters were quickly on the scene but flames were already starting to break through the roof when they arrived.