A FORMER chairman of New Forest District Council has died just weeks after he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding and reaffirmed their vows.

John Hoy, who had cancer, joined the council in 1983 and was one of its longest serving members.

He was a Conservative member for Hordle, where he and his wife Shirley played a leading role in village life.

They formed several organisations in the parish, including the community association and the local care group. Mrs Hoy is president of Hordle WI.

Dave Yates, the district council's chief executive, said: "Lots of people have expressed deep sadness at the loss of Councillor Hoy. The wellbeing of the people of Hordle was always at the top of his agenda."

Council leader Mel Kendal said: "John was a fine man who always supported me in my work for the council.

"He gave good advice and we benefited from his expertise and diplomacy. He will be sadly missed by me and my Conservative colleagues."

Members of the Liberal Democrat opposition group have also paid tribute to Councillor Hoy.

Lib Dem leader Alan Weeks said: "I was saddened to here of John's passing. I will miss his cheerful and happy presence in the council chamber."

Fellow Lib Dem David Harrison, chairman of Totton and Eling Town Council, said: "Everyone loved John. He was a genuinely nice, sincere and warm person."

Cllr Hoy, 77, was chairman of the district council in 2002-2003 and raised more than £5,000 for the Forest Bus youth project.

Earlier this year he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding and reaffirmed their vows in a ceremony at All Saints Parish Church in Hordle.

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Councillor Hoy will be held in the church tomorrow at 11am. His funeral, a private family event, will take place today.

Any donations should be made to Oakhaven Hospice, Lymington, which is where Councillor Hoy was being treated when he died.