ACTOR, writer and raconteur Sir Peter Ustinov, who used to live in St Margaret’s at Cliffe, died on Sunday at his home in Switzerland. He was 82.

Sir Peter was last in the village in February 2002, when he opened the newly built village hall after helping to raise cash for the project.

Allen Mitson, chairman of the fund-raising committee said; “He was a real gentleman and endeared himself to everyone, from the dustman to a king.

“If he had run the world it would have been a peaceful place.”

Sir Peter’s connections with the village went back 60 years when he spent a summer of his army service in a pillbox on the cliff top.

He had been called up in January 1942 and joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, which was sent to defend St Margaret’s Bay.

The war veteran later bought the gun emplacement as a holiday home, now owned by actress Miriam Margoyles.

When villagers decided they wanted to replace their dilapidated community hall with a new building they contacted Sir Peter to ask for his help raising the cash needed.

Mr Mitson found out he was staying in London for a film premiere, tracked him down at his hotel and gave him a “cold call.”

He explained how the village had launched an appeal and Sir Peter agreed to give a speech at a special evening dinner at Dover College that raised £10,000.

Three years later the famous actor opened the hall and praised the community for its “magnificent achievement in a unique village.”

Mr Mitson added: “He enthralled us at the ceremony and was superb with the children. Sir Peter was a real gentleman and would speak to everyone. He loved St Margaret’s Bay.”

Miriam Margoyles also helped with the village hall fund-raising and attended the opening ceremony in 2002.

She said: “When we met in St Margaret's he was full of fun and happy memories.

“He was very touched by the welcome he received from everyone he met in St Margaret’s and regaled us with brilliant stories about the men he served with up in the little Gun Emplacement.

“Sir Peter loved to eat, thoroughly enjoyed the fare at Wallett's Court and didn't stint on wine or pudding. He obviously adored his wife Helene and he thought he was truly blessed.

“The world is a little darker for his leaving it.”

Sir Peter was a member of the St Margaret’s branch of the Royal British Legion, number 1497151, and met many members when he opened the village hall.

Branch secretary Peter Hudson said he was a “very gracious person” who listened patiently when he talked to his fellow members in the new hall.