TRIBUTES have been paid to veteran church organist and former parish council chairman Lester Eves who has died after a long illness.

Mr Eves, who received his MBE from the Queen earlier this year, died at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, on Tuesday November 28 after collapsing at his home in The Paddock, Urchfont.

His wife Sue said he had been in severe pain, having undergone chemotherapy the week before.

Mr Eves, who was 78, had been the organist at St Michael and All Angels Church in Urchfont since he was 16 and last played for Sunday services at Urchfont and Stert on November 19.

He was also parish council chairman for 15 years and served on the parish council for 33 years. A wheelwright by trade, he was the village's resident builder for many years.

Urchfont's district councillor, Colin Stone, said: "He is going to be greatly missed. I have known him all my life and his loss is going to leave a great hole in village life.

"Apart from anything else, he was such a useful man to have around and would never turn anyone down if he could avoid it."

Rev Michael Pain, rector of the Redhorn team ministry, including Urchfont, said: "A friend like Lester Eves must be the answer to a prayer for any clergyman coming into a community. A succession of us vicars has benefited from the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and fun of an outstanding Christian organist. I feel truly privileged to have known him."

David Fruen, chairman of Urchfont Parish Council, said: "Lester was a much-loved member of the community. We shall all miss his quiet common sense in council meetings and his practical help in between."

Mr Eves was awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list in January. As well as his wife, Sue, a former nurse, he leaves two sons, Graham and Duncan, and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised, but they are likely to take place at St Michael and All Angels with a cremation at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington. Family flowers only are asked for, donations to be made to the Urchfont Church Organ Fund and the Friends of Lavington Surgery.