TRIBUTES have been paid to a former deputy surveyor of the New Forest who has died.

Dallas Mithen was appointed in 1968 and remained in the post until 1971.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre said: "His term coincided with a particularly troubled time for the Forest and he played a key role in attempting to reconcile the conflicts between timber production, common rights and conservation.

"He left in order to continue a distinguished career in the upper echelons of the civil service."