TRIBUTES have started to flood in for a "wonderful" former political figure following her death this week.

Jean Lanning, who passed away on Monday, June 7, was the former president of the Romsey and Southampton North Conservative Association from 2015-19.

She was believed to be 90 at her time of death and was a prominent dog breeder. She was an expert on Great Danes.

The animal lover, who lived in King's Somborne, was a judge for international dog championships, including at Crufts.

She was a well-known member of the UK's largest organisation devoted to dog welfare, the Kennel Club.

Her interest in four-legged animals started at a young age when her mother founded Clausentum Kennel, Sherfield English, in 1944 to breed Great Danes.

This eventually led to her taking the reins of the business, where she continued her mother's work.

Romsey's MP and a community leader have paid tribute to the woman who had a "giant heart".

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, said: "Jean was a wonderful character, with huge generosity and a giant heart. She was dedicated to everything she believed in, and threw herself with passion into her causes.

"I will miss Jean’s irrepressible sense of humour so much."

Chair of the Conservative Association, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: "Jean was a conscientious and engaged president of the Conservative Association, actively supporting us through two General Election campaigns.

"Our thoughts are of course with her family and those both in politics and in dog breeding who will mourn her loss especially.”