THE horse and farming communities in Kent are mourning the death of one of Britain's leading equine veterinary surgeons John Ayliffe. Born in London in 1923, Mr Ayliffe qualified after completing his wartime service as a RAF officer.

He moved to to Ashford in 1952 as a student vet at Barrow Hill but soon made his mark and in became a partner in the practice. Despite being a Londoner he was rapidly accepted and respected by the local farming community. His ability to successfully deal with large animals, was matched by his skill in endearing himself to their owners.

He always loved working with horses and, during the Sixties, he travelled to America to study the advances made in equine surgery.

On his return he decided to specialise and his reputation for excellence spread throughout the horse world.

Until his retirement anyone in South East who had an interest in horses knew him and to most he was known simply as the `horse vet'.

His intense interest in their well being led him to pioneer surgery on animals that would previously have been put down and he was responsible for the invention of a unique horse surgery table that revolutionised equine operations. As his reputation spread, lame and injured animals arrived almost on a daily basis. His philosophy was simply that a horse deserved as much right to life as its owner.

He was president of Ashford Golf Club and played the game well until back trouble which had plagued him through his life made playing impossible.

As his health deteriorated, Audrey his devoted wife of 56 years, nursed him until his death.