TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a leading light in Southamp-ton's business community.

Richard Hobden, the 39-year-old general manger of the Premier Travel Inn in the city centre, lost his battle against cancer in a hospice near his family home.

His widow Mina, the mother of their twin daughters, was with him.

Mina, who was married to Richard for 15 years, said: "He was very generous and kind and thought everyone was fantastic. He would not say a bad word about anyone he was a decent man who loved his family."

Richard had been brought in by bosses of the Premier Travel Inn chain, part of the Whitbread empire, to take the hotel near East Park Terrace on to the next level.

As part of that responsibility he tuned in to key networking groups in Southampton.

Richard, who commuted from Swindon, had been general manager for a year at the hotel which employs 45.

He first developed cancer two-and-a-half years ago. It returned after initially successful treatment.

One of the networking groups Richard was supportive of was Common Purpose, an organisation that brings together leaders from the private, public and voluntary sector to see what makes Southampton tick.

Richard was part of its two-day Profile course last November.

Common Purpose's George Ringrow said: "It is tragic. Richard was a hugely valued member of the group, and was well thought of by the business community.

"He was very keen to make things better in Southamp-ton, and our sympathies go to his wife and children."

Jimmy Chestnutt, director general of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber has lost a good friend in Richard Hobden.

"He was a strong supporter of the chamber and local businesses."

Laura Gardiner, the chamber's events co-ordinator, said: "Richard had a bubbly personality, was always courteous and appreciated the work that went into each event he attended."

One of Richard's friends, Simon Apps, said: "He was the kind of man who would make the room light up when he walked in. He just instantly lifted the atmosphere."

Richard's funeral takes place at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon (just off the A419), at noon tomorrow. All are welcome.