IT’s our sad duty to report on the death at the age of 90 of Ronnie Burgess last week.

The name may not mean much to many, but Mr Burgess was one of the best-known faces in Winchester for the beautifully simple fact that he danced to the buskers on the High Street.

VIDEO: Tributes as Winchester's dancing OAP Ronnie Burgess passes away, aged 90 >>>

He was an excellent mover, who had danced all his life and following the death of his wife Dorothy in 1998 had seen no reason to stop doing what he loved, and to do it in public.

He bought a smile to people’s faces through the sheer force of his cheerful and gentle personality. Daring to be different, he cheered up everyone he met.

It is easy to fall into the trap, and one only has to go on social media, to believe that Winchester is going to hell in a handcart. There are certainly many problems; the homeless, the housing affordability crisis, the congestion and the pollution.

But Winchester has always been tolerant of, welcomed even, people who have the nerve to behave differently. Older readers will remember Ron Purse and others who in recent years have been considered ‘eccentric’. This is one of its strengths.

Perhaps its the fact that historically the city has always been a mish-mash of different types, the military, college, cathedral, the lawyers, the art students.

So farewell, Mr Burgess. It was always a pleasure to see you. Winchester is a poorer place without you.