TRIBUTES have been paid to Portland Port director and decorated Royal Navy commander, Rupert Best, who has died at the age of 76.

Commander Best, who was a director of Portland Port UK, commanded the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Courageous during the Falklands conflict in 1982.

He retired from the Royal Navy during the 1990s and would be 'instrumental' in persuading Langham Industries to privately take over Portland Port from the Ministry of Defence in 1996 - and the subsequent formation of the Portland Harbour Authority.

Friend and Portland Port UK colleague, Bill Reeves, said: "Rupert served as director of Portland Port from its formation right up until his death.

"It was a privilege to be one of his friends.

"He had boundless energy and enthusiasm for his work."

Mr Reeves said prior to commanding HMS Courageous, Mr Best - who lived in the Melplash area of West Dorset - was the skipper of the diesel submarine HMS Ocelot.

Earlier in his career Mr Best came under fire as a midshipman during the Raid on Limbang, Borneo in 1962, which saw him take part in the rescue of hostages from terrorists.

Mr Best ran the renowned Melplash Cider Farm near Bridport, which he took the reins of due to the death of his father - himself a distinguished Naval officer who became Flag Officer, Gibraltar.

Mr Reeves said: "After he retired from the Royal Navy, he took over the management of the family cider apple business in Melplash, and was an energetic promoter of Dorset cider apples."

Mr Best was a Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, and an ex-Master of The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, and President of the Melplash Show, as well as being an active member of many other organisations including the CLA, the AONB, and the Bath & West Show.

Commodore Jamie Miller OBE said: "He was a tremendous mentor, full of good cheer, and was encouragement to the younger generations.

"Rupert was highly competent at sea and constantly won early promotion.

"He was an excellent, compassionate, and caring employer. He knew only how to work to the very highest standards. He played a pivotal, influential, far reaching leadership role within the very fabric of Dorset, but was ever modest and understated in his conduct.

Commodore Miller said Mr Best, who was also the president of Bridport Sea Cadets, was 'ever tireless in innovation and initiative for continued development of Portland Port', and was both respected and revered by generations of the Royal Navy.