Pembrokeshire-born Dick Francis, the author of over 40 best-selling thriller novels, has died at the age of 89.

Mr Francis was a former champion jockey who won a massive following for his books set in the horse-racing world.

Born Richard Stanley Francis at Coedcanlas, Lawrenny, the home of his maternal grandparents, he reportedly learnt to ride before he could read.

Both his grandfather, Willie Thomas and great-uncle had been two of the best amateur riders of their generation and his father, a former steeplechase jockey, ran a hunting stable.

His family moved to live near Maidenhead, Berkshire, while he was still a boy, but Mr Francis was remembered by the older generation in Lawrenny - amongst them, Miss Catherine Cole, who died last December at the age of 86. She would recall walking to the village school with the young Dick.

Mr Francis also returned to Lawrenny some 15 years ago when he attended the centenary celebrations of Lawrenny Cricket Club. His family's home is now owned by Lib-Dem prospective parliamentary candidate John Gossage.

Dick Francis' racing career saw him ride over 2,300 races as a National Hunt jockey. He became part of racing folklore when, in 1956, he was aboard the Queen Mother's horse, Devon Loch, when the horse fell just yards from the Grand National winning post.

He published his autobiography the following year, and wrote his first thriller, Dead Cert, in 1962.

He went on to sell some 60 million books worldwide, with his novels translated into 20 languages. He was awarded a CBE in 200 for his services to literature.

His wife Mary died in 2000 and he is survived by two sons - Felix, who co-authored his father's most recent works, and Merrix. Mr Francis's funeral will take place in the Cayman Islands where he had made his home.