TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Romsey Parish Chairman after he passed away late last month.

Rod Simpson served on the Romsey Extra Parish Council until 2007 as chair, and was also the former chairman of the Sea Cadets.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Roy Perry and Romsey MP Caroline Nokes have paid tribute to Rod as a 'thoroughly good man'.

On top of his work for various organisations around Romsey and the wider area, he also worked as a civil engineer on the Winchester M3 bypass among other projects.

Cllr Perry, member for Romsey Rural, said: "Rod Simpson was a thoroughly good man who worked hard for the local community, both on the Parish Council but also for many other organisations.

"He was not just chairman of the Woodley Village Hall, but he worked hard to keep it running smoothly and constantly ensuring it was kept modern and up to date.

"The Romsey area has lost a hard working community-minded man who will be sorely missed."

Rod passed away on January 25 having suffered from cancer and is survived by his wife Sally.

As well as his work with the council, Rod was a governor of nearby Halterworth School.

MP for Romsey, Caroline Nokes, said: "Rod Simpson was quite simply one of the nicest and most hardworking people I have ever known.

"Whether it was his commitment to Romsey Extra Parish, his hard work with Woodley Village Hall, or any of the other organisations he was involved with, Rod was always dedicated and diligent.

"Always supported by Sally, he was a quiet, cheerful and phenomenally clever man, and I will miss him hugely."