JAN Hunter, the wife of Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter, has died after a three-year battle with cancer.

Mrs Hunter, 54, died on Sunday morning in Newbury hospital. Her husband, the MP for Basingstoke for the past 19 years, was at her bedside.

Mrs Hunter had undergone four operations in the past three years following her initial diagnosis with breast cancer in 1999.

Paying tribute to his wife, Mr Hunter, 59, said: "To say that Jan lost her battle against cancer does not convey the full story. The final outcome may have been inevitable but she won the battle against cancer every day for more than three years."

Lord Portsmouth, President of Basingstoke Conservative Association, said: "Jan was a wonderful woman in every sense. I always enjoyed her company.

"She was attractive, highly intelligent, great fun and a real supporter of Andrew and the association."

A funeral and thanksgiving service will be held at St Michael's Church, Basingstoke, on Monday, at 11am. This will be followed by a burial service at St Mary's Church, Silchester.

If you wish to send in a tribute to Jan Hunter, write to the Letters Editor, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD, or email editor@basingstokegazette.co.uk