ROSES are to be planted in memory of a parish councillor and a dedicated community campaigner who died days before Christmas. Little Paxton parish Councillor, Derek Eyres, 79, was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago. He died from the disease at home in

ROSES are to be planted in memory of a parish councillor and a dedicated community campaigner who died days before Christmas.

Little Paxton parish Councillor, Derek Eyres, 79, was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago. He died from the disease at home in The Crofts, Little Paxton on December 15.

Cllr Eyres was a retired accountant and moved to Little Paxton five years ago. He had been a parish councillor for three years and was known for his commitment to community campaigns. He was treasurer of the village's Save Our Surgery campaign, which successfully saved the doctor's surgery from closure after an 18-month campaign from 2004 to 2005.

He was on the committee for the village playground group and a member of the St Neots branch of The University of the Third Age. He was also said to had a passion for family history.

Prior to moving to the village he had been a dedicated scout leader in Kingsbury. He was born in Hendon and had been married to Brenda for 54 years.

Paying tribute to Cllr Eyres, fellow parish councillor Peter Hagger described him as a loving father to his three children and six grandchildren and a much-loved husband, to wife, Brenda.

Cllr Hagger said: "Derek had a great sense of humour - despite his age he was young at heart. The ladies in the village would describe him as a lovely man who was always a gentleman. He was dedicated to campaigning for facilities for the young in the village and was instrumental in getting the new playground for the village He did so much for the community."

His funeral is due to take place on Wednesday (December 31) at St James Church in Little Paxton at 11.15am and then at Bedford Crematorium.

In memory of Cllr Eyres, Little Paxton Parish Council is planting six roses at Little Paxton Cemetery.

The cemetery rose bed has been created after requests from residents wanting to plant roses in memory of loved ones. Relatives are able to buy and plant a rose in memory of a loved one once they have gained permission from the parish clerk, Jenny Gellatly.

INFORMATION: To find out more about the rose bed, phone Jenny Gellatly on 01480 470193 or e-mail littlepaxton@hotmail.com or visit www.littlepaxton.org.uk/cemetery