LORD Montagu of Beaulieu has paid tribute to one of the village's best-known figures.
Christopher Fairweatherwho owned Fairweather's Garden Centre and was also chairman of the parish council, has died after a long illness.
Lord Montagu, 80, said: "Christopher was a major figure in Beaulieu and made a great contribution to its affairs.
"He will be greatly missed by the whole community."
Mr Fairweather, who was in his seventies, was a member of the Garden Writers' Guild and wrote a weekly column for the Daily Echo's sister paper, the New Forest Post.
He also published several books.
Carol Green, vice-chairman of the parish council, said: "Christopher had been ill for several months and was rushed to hospital soon after Christmas.
"He was a lovely, caring person who was heavily involved in village activities."
Mr Fairweather, who lived at Hilltop, Beaulieu, leaves a widow, Aline, and a son, Patrick.
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