A retired butler who spent his whole working life at an Oxford University college has died aged 84.

Cyril Little joined Christ Church at the age of 14 as the butler's assistant in 1930.

He was promoted to butler of the Senior Common Room in 1949 and held the post until he retired in 1981.

He was responsible for the college wine and silver, and for looking after visitors.

When he retired, the college organised a dinner in his honour, with 130 past and present members of the college, and he received letters from former students all over the world. Mr Little's father, William, worked at the college for 28 years from 1904 as a scout.

A service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on June 19 at 2.30pm.

Mr Little, of Ashlong Road, Headington, leaves a widow, Hazel, two daughters and two grandchildren.