VILLAGERS have told of their shock after it emerged a wealthy Dorset couple were helped to die at a voluntary euthanasia centre in Switzerland.

Peter Duff, 80, and his wife Penelope, 70, were both suffering from terminal cancer and decided to end their lives in a suicide pact at the Dignitas clinic.

The couple are the former owners of Ilsington House in Puddletown and although they moved to Bath about 12 years ago, they were regular visitors to Dorset, staying at their holiday home in Litton Cheney.

Their two children, Helena Conibear and Simon Duff, still live in the county.

Helena is involved with the Arts in Hospital charity at Dorset County Hospital and is executive director of the Alcohol in Moderation (AIM) support group, which her father founded.

Simon used to live in Puddletown where he delivered newspapers around the area.

It is understood he now lives in the Poole area.

Mr and Mrs Duff apparently told friends they were moving back to Dorset to spend their final days – but instead travelled to Switzerland.

Helena, who is married to Poundbury development manager Simon Conibear, said her parents’ decision “in no way reflected the wonderful and humbling care” they received from doctors.

It is understood Mrs Duff, who was known as Penny, had been given the all-clear from cancer but had suffered a relapse.

Retired wine merchant Mr Duff had cared for his wife until he too was diagnosed.

The couple bought Ilsington House in 1979 and went on to restore it and furnish it with period architecture.

Brian Ball, who runs the Londis shop in Puddletown, said: “I was shocked but my feeling is they wanted to be in control and didn’t want the pain to go on.

“But it’s not very nice for the family that’s left behind.”

Mr Ball said the couple played an active role in village life, helping to set up the Puddletown Society forum.

Former clerk of Puddletown Area Parish Council Audrey Wirdnam said: “I got quite a shock and I found it all very sad.

“I didn’t know Mrs Duff so well but I remember Mr Duff as a vibrant and jolly chap, full of life.”