Watercress Line volunteer Bill Read died at Alresford station last Friday night.

Bill had just started some evening work when he collapsed with a medical issue. Efforts by staff and paramedics to revive him were unsuccessful.

Watercress Line chief executive Rebecca Dalley said: “Bill was a hugely dedicated volunteer who was as much at home in the engineering sheds as he was firing a steam engine.

“Following a distinguished career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, his contribution to the railway was immense and he threw his energy into every physical and learning task with gusto. He will be hugely missed.

“We are deeply grateful for the response of the local surgery in Alresford as well as the paramedics and staff who attended the incident.”

A wreath has been placed on the front of the Watercress Line’s flagship locomotive Canadian Pacific in memory of Bill, and the flag at Alresford station is flying at half-mast.