THE MAN they called "Mr Romsey", five times the town's mayor Charlie Mead, has died, at 92.

It's only three weeks since his beloved wife Eileen died.

Last month, Charlie received a top honour when he was made an honorary burgess of Romsey.

Community leaders have paid tribute to the man who despite his great age played such a part in governing the town.

Family friend and colleague Councillor Mark Cooper said: "When Eileen was at home they could, in effect, look after each other. But when she went into hospital, Charlie was admitted to Romsey Hospital.

"He and Eileen were very close, but Charlie was a fighter. I saw him a week before he died and he was very positive, asking about the town and friends. His passing is like a light going out."

Even in his 90s, Charlie, who lived in Bridge Road, Romsey, was a town councillor, a school governor, Royal British Legion branch president, a Friend of Nightingale Lodge, a trustee of Ampfield Cricket Club, vice-president of Romsey Sea Cadets.

He had dedicated decades of service to Romsey Town Council, notching up 23 years as a councillor and five years as town mayor.

On February 10, he became Romsey's first honorary burgess in 20 years, the highest honour that can be bestowed by the town council.

Speaking to the Daily Echo at the time, Charlie said: "Out of all the things I've done in my life, this was at the top of the list."

Paying tribute to Charlie, who died at Romsey Hospital on Saturday morning, Romsey town mayor Dorothy Baverstock said: "He was just a lovely gentleman who was always willing to help."

Charlie's funeral will take place on March 22, at 2.20pm, at Southampton Crematorium's East Wing.