A PUBLISHING legend who lived near Pebworth has died aged 67, after losing his battle against cancer.

Businessman Felix Dennis, who has a house in Dorsington, first found fame as one of the founders of 1960s counterculture magazine Oz, which was caught up in a high-profile obscenity trial in 1971.

He went on to make a fortune through multi-million pound publishing business Dennis Publishing, the magazine stable behind Maxim and The Week.

A statement published on the company's website said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Felix Dennis passed away yesterday (Sunday) surrounded by his loved ones. After a long and painful battle with cancer, Felix died peacefully at his home in Dorsington, aged 67.

"Felix was a publishing legend, famed for his maverick and entrepreneurial style and, more lately, a successful and much-loved poet. He will be greatly missed.

"Thank you for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Felix, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."

Mr Dennis was named as the ninth richest person in the West Midlands on last year's Sunday Times rich list with a fortune of more than £500million.