THE New Forest hunting fraternity and staff at New Forest District Council have been stunned today by the death of a leading pro-hunt campaigner and district councillor.

Nick Smith, 39, was found hanged at his Langley Lodge home in a remote part of the Longdown Estate near Marchwood by an estate worker on Saturday morning.

He was elected on to the district council just two years ago, but had made an immediate impact and was appointed to its cabinet earlier this month as the environment portfolio holder.

Born in the Liverpool area, Councillor Smith, pictured, was a popular figure both in hunting circles and among his fellow Conservatives on the district council.

As staff arrived for work at the council offices at Lyndhurst today, the flag was flying at half-mast and chief executive Dave Yates said: "Everyone just feels immensely shocked.

"He is the last person you expect to hear such news about. He was such a bright person and had made a tremendous impact and a valuable contribution to the council since he was elected."

Council leader Mel Kendal described Councillor Smith as "a much-valued colleague and friend" and said: "He will always be remembered for the strong stand he took against the proposals for a container port at Dibden Bay and the hours he spent on many days, often cross-examining expert witnesses at the inquiry."

He was also a member of Marchwood Parish Council and his fellow parish councillor Alan Shotter said: "I am shell-shocked. I am at a loss for words and just can't understand it.

"Nick was an energetic politician who reminded me of what I was like as a young councillor. In the short period he was a district councillor for Marchwood he made his mark.

"He was quite popular with a lot of people and was not afraid to stand up and say what he believed. He was beginning to get on top of things and I was delighted when he got his portfolio."