Tributes have been paid to a "generous character" and "inspirational councillor, colleague and friend".

David Leader died on March 13, aged 64. He leaves behind his wife, Elaine, and children, Rosie and Ryan.

David, a retired Met Police officer, was a parish councillor and vice chairman of Broadwindsor Group Parish Council. He was also chairman of The White Lion project in the village, taking the pub into community management and contributing to the repair and redesign works taking place.

Margery Hookings has known David since he and his family moved to the village 16 years ago. She said: "We all loved David for his warmth, kindness, drive, enthusiasm and that special talent he had: diplomacy.

"He worked tirelessly for the community, with no ego, just a true desire to make things happen and get things done.

"We are so shocked and saddened by what has happened. We need more Davids in this world."

David was a massive part of the Broadwindsor community, taking the lead on many community projects.

He was chairman of the Comrades Hall Management Committee, which last week saw the commissioning of the installations of an air source heat pump, central heating and a 36 solar panel roof array, a PE instructor at Broadwindsor Primary School, local football referee, part of the management of Hursey Common - the football pitch as well as the woodlands and wildflower meadow - he was a member of the Broadwindsor Speedwatch Group and was looking into how to stop 4x4 damage along Common Water Lane, and he helped with the Covid-19 home delivery service during the early stages of the pandemic.

The meeting of The White Lion Management Committee on March 16 opened with a period of reflection and silence. Rick Dyke, a fellow parish councillor who has now become chairman of the management committee said: "Like the rest of the community, the committee is devastated by the loss of this outstanding man. We are determined to realise David's vision for The White Lion and work together to make it a reality, as a fitting tribute to David. Thought is now being given about how best The White Lion can remember David."

A spokesman for Broadwindsor Group Parish Council said: "The parish council is so very saddened by the sudden passing of David Leader.

"An inspirational parish councillor, colleague and friends. The breadth of David's active involvement in the local community, including Comrades Hall, Hursey Common, the community shop, The White Lion, the community land trust and school to name but a few is a true testament to his generous character and his passion for helping others.

"He will be greatly missed by so many across our communities. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

A formal tribute will be paid at Broadwindsor Group Parish Council's meeting today (Monday).