MARTIN Brent who died last Thursday, aged 56, has been described by friends and family as a generous man who was always prepared to give his time to others.

Mr Brent, of Dunns Copse in Ledbury, was the clerk to Colwall Parish Council for seven years but was diagnosed with leukaemia last year.

His wife, Janice, said Martin was always there for people when he was needed.

"If you wanted anything done we'd say to him 'what do we do?' and he'd get up and do it, and in any walk of life he'd be like that. He wouldn't just sit back and say he'd do it tomorrow," she said.

Mr Brent and his wife moved to Ledbury in 1993, after he left his local government career to take up model making to commission.

At the same time, he began working as clerk for Colwall Parish Council, a job, Mrs Brent said, he thoroughly enjoyed.

"He loved it. He really felt he could look after Colwall even though he didn't live there," she said.

And her sentiments were echoed by Edith Haines, former chairman of Colwall Parish Council, who worked closely with Mr Brent over the years.

"He was tremendously well loved and respected," said Coun Haines.

"Although he didn't live in the village he loved and cared for Colwall, cared about what happened to the village and helped to give the residents a better quality of life.

"We haven't just lost a parish clerk, we've lost a friend," she said.

Mr Brent had two children, Anthony, aged 29 and Nicky, 27.

Together with his model making, his other hobby was old cars, specifically MGs. He owned a 1937 VA model.

He also loved walking through the countryside and across the hills and was a member of Ledbury Walkers' Club. His funeral was due to be held today (Friday) at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Ledbury, at noon.