HAMPSHIRE'S close-knit business community was today mourning the untimely death of one of its own.

Marketing professional Joan Radley, 53, known and respected by hundreds of local people over the years, died of bone cancer on Sunday night.

Joan had worked at professional services' firm Grant Thornton, based at its office in Segensworth, near Fareham, since joining in April 2003.

David Tipple, a partner at Grant Thornton, today paid tribute to his brave colleague.

He said: "She was serious and professional, but prepared to have fun when it was time to have fun.

"Joan was one of those people who join an organisation and make a difference.

"The subsequent 12 months after she joined us saw a big upturn in our sales and marketing fortunes."

Another leading businessman who knew Joan is David d'Arcy Hughes, partner at Southampton-based commercial lawyers Bond Pearce.

He said: "Joan was very pleasant, very professional and absolutely delightful. I am sorry to hear she has gone."

Details for the funeral of Joan, who is survived by husband Gordon, have yet to be confirmed.

As well as Grant Thornton, Joan had worked with Southampton City Council as its marketing officer before leaving for a spell at international law firm Peningtons in London.

A City Council spokesman said: "We were very sorry to hear of the death of Joan Radley.

"She was principal marketing officer at the city council for three and a half years from 1991 and was responsible for spearheading the campaign to promote Southampton and its businesses to a range of national and overseas markets.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time."