TRIBUTES have been made to a Bramshott man who died on Monday evening after falling 25 ft down a well in his back garden.
Dr Tony Yates, who had been a resident at Rectory Lane for many years, was rescued by firefighters from the well but later died at the scene.
It is believed that Dr Yates was gardening near the well when part of it collapsed causing him to fall down it.
Dr Yates's wife, Jill, called the emergency services to the family home at 3-38 pm.
The fire officer in charge of the incident, Dave Lock, said that two vehicles from Liphook initially attended the scene and that they were followed by two more from Rushmoor who brought with them specialist rescue equipment.
"We lowered a paramedic down, followed by one of the firefighters and we lifted the casualty from the well.
"The operation was finished at around 5 pm," said Mr Lock.
However despite all their efforts, Dr Yates was pronounced dead at 6-02 pm.
Friend and neighbour Sam James paid tribute to Dr Yates saying he was a charming man.
"I've known them for a number of years," Mr James told The Herald. "They were lovely neighbours to have as they were always concerned about their neighbours and the people of the village."
He described Mr Yates as someone who helped others, not just those he knew, but the community as a whole.
"He gave his time to work for the CAB and he was most helpful to me when I had serious back problems."
Dr Yates was a volunteer adviser with the Citizens Advice Bureau for several years, working out of Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council's office.
Parish clerk Tony Groves said that he was always a friendly face who gave local residents advice: "He was a delightful man and an asset to the community."
"He was the most charming of men, with a lovely gentle manner, and he will be deeply, deeply missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family," said Mr James.