THE New Forest's Official Verderer, Maldwin Drummond, has paid tribute to one of his predecessors.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, Sir Dudley Forwood, who was Official Verderer from 1974 to 1982, has died at the age of 89.

Mr Drummond said: "The New Forest was Sir Dudley's real love.

"His enthusiasm, coupled with his wit and interest in the Forest commoners, their animals and way of life were the hallmark of his time."

He said: "One of the highlights of his time as Official Verderer was the Queen's visit during the 900th anniversary of the creation of the New Forest."