Carnival man dies aged 52 A STALWART of a popular Hampshire carnival has died.

Barry Alford, pictured, discovered on the eve of the Eastleigh Carnival two years ago that he had cancer.

It failed to stop him from making sure that carnival week continued to spread joy throughout the town and raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

Barry, 52, who was carnival secretary, had asked his widow Penny and the family to promise that they would carry on with the carnival next month.

Penny, who is carnival chairman, said: "Life without Barry is going to be very hard but we will carry on as he asked with the carnival."

Since the sad news of his death tributes have been pouring in for Eastleigh born and bred Barry. For 16 years he was the driving force behind the event, although he preferred to work quietly behind the scenes.

Penny said: "I have had so many people say what a lovely quiet gentleman he was."

Barry, who was an engineer, worked as an after-sales business manager for the Picador motor company at Sholing, Southampton.

His dedication to the carnival and the community led to him being bestowed with a top civic honour.

Former Eastleigh mayor Councillor Maureen Sollitt, who is vice chairman of the Eastleigh Carnival Association, said: "I was privileged to nominate Barry for his citizen award. I can think of no one who deserved it more than him.

At the full Eastleigh Council meeting councillors paid their own tribute with a minute's silence.

Barry leaves four children and four grandchildren.

The funeral service will be on Thursday at St Mary's Church, Bishopstoke at 10.30am.

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