TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Hampshire estate agent and former New Forest hunt master.

Richard Jenkins, 68, from Chandler's Ford died after a short battle against pancreatic cancer.

Mr Jenkins was well known for his countryside pursuits and was joint master of the hounds in the New Forest from 1989 until 1992.

"He was a lovely man and everybody loved him," said his widow Sue Jenkins.

"He loved his outdoor pursuits and the countryside. For him going on a hunt was all about the chase and he thought of it like the children's game of Cowboys and Indians."

He had been married to wife Suefor 23 years. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Mr Jenkins was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March this year and despite surgery and chemotherapy treatment died on August 15.

He grew up in Hampshire and was a pupil at Sherborne House School in Chandler's Ford and St Mary's College in Southampton before starting his training to be a chartered surveyor.

Well known in the city, he successfully opened offices for estate agent firm Young & White in Bitterne and London Road.

During the 1990s he then formed Jenkins & Sykes with fellow chartered surveyor Bill Sykes in Andover.

Despite retiring four years ago, he was still working as a freelance surveyor before he died.

A funeral service will be taking place at St Martin-in-the-Wood Church in Chandler's Ford on Wednesday, August 29.