FOUNDER of popular tourist attraction Clearwell Caves, Ray Wright, has passed away, aged 85, after a long battle with bone cancer.

Born in 1930, he reopened the caves in 1968 as both a working iron ore and ochre mine, and a tourist attraction, after it had been closed down in 1945.

The caves turned into a major tourist attraction for the Forest of Dean, and they also became a familiar location for many television and film shoots – famously for Dr Who.

He also allowed the pagan and wican community to use the caves for their annual meeting for the festival of Imbolc, held each February.

He was the secretary of the Freeminers Association for 30 years, and was one of four Verderers of the Forest of Dean.

In the funeral notice, issued this week, it states: “Ray Wright, of Clearwell Caves, peacefully passed away on Friday August 7 at his home, aged 85 years.

“Much-loved partner of Leann, father of William, Clare, Jonathan and Elaine, grandfather of Maryjane, Bea and Wilf, and brother of Val, Yvonne and Alan.”

His funeral service and cremation will be held at The Forest of Dean Crematorium on Friday, August 21.

Those attending the service have been requested to wear green clothing.