TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a much-loved veteran, charity fundraiser and community stalwart who has died at the age of 71.

Lynwood Newman passed away in his home on Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, on March 16 after a three-year battle with blood cancer.

He was well known in the town for his involvement with military events, his charity work and his paper round.

Mr Newman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1949. After completing his schooling, he went to Penn State University to study media and journalism before joining the US Airforce at age 22.

After he finished his training, Mr Newman was posted out to serve in the Vietnam War. He spent two years living at an airforce base in Thailand before he was posted to serve in the south of Italy. Then, in 1977, he was posted to an RAF base in Oxford, where he met his future wife Lida.

The pair got married in 1983 and in 1991 they moved down to Weymouth and lived in the same home on Littlemoor Road ever since.

Mrs Newman, 77, said: "His health had declined rapidly in the last three weeks but I wasn't expecting him to pass when he did but I am so thankful at how it happened.

"He was laid down in his bed and he wasn't in any pain - it was the perfect way for him to go."

During his time in Weymouth, Mr Newman had become heavily involved in local military events and volunteered his time to support charitable causes. He set up a walking group for people of varying abilities in Weymouth, volunteered at Big4Littlemoor, Littlemoor Foodbank and Weldmar Hospicecare, and took an active role supporting national diabetes charities.

After he retired, he had also taken up a paper round and could be seen delivering newspapers to people around Littlemoor six-days a week.

Tributes have been pouring in from members of the local community who have been devastated at the news of Mr Newman's passing.

Mayor of Portland Sandy West has paid tribute to Mr Newman, who she 'loved like a brother'. She said: "Lynwood was a huge supporter of Portland, over the years he had supported so many of Portland mayors at civic and military commemorations. Many was the time he would dash from events being held in Weymouth to come across to Portland.

"Lynwood was kind, funny, clever, charming and one of the loveliest people I have ever met. He gave outstanding service to Portland Town Council and the people of the island. I loved him like a brother.

"My thoughts are with his wife and family on their huge loss. RIP Lynwood, as you blaze across the heavens."

On Facebook, Dorset councillor Louie O'Leary, who represents the Littlemoor and Preston ward, wrote: "Sad to hear the passing of Lynwood Newman. A staple at any veterans and remembrance event, at various times a volunteer at credit union, Big4littlemoor, Littlemoor Community Action Group and a keen supporter of Littlemoor foodbank. A very big loss to all who knew him."

Mrs Newman has been overwhelmed at the outpouring of kind words from people in the community. She said: "It is absolutely heartbreaking to read all of the things people are saying about him. People are so kind and generous in their thoughts and praise of him. I just need to struggle on without him now."

A funeral service for Mr Newman will take place at Weymouth Crematorium on April 9. The funeral procession will start outside his home on Littlemoor Road, go down Preston Road and along the seafront in front of the war memorial before going up to the crematorium.

Mrs Newman is inviting anyone who wishes to pay their respects to stand on their doorsteps as the procession goes past. She is also welcoming donations to Weldmar Hospicecare in his memory.