TRIBUTES were paid to Christchurch Parish Council chairman Councillor Nigel Russell at the parish council s meeting on Monday. It was the last parish meeting for Cllr Russell before retiring and, as a thank-you for his service to the council, he was prese

TRIBUTES were paid to Christchurch Parish Council chairman Councillor Nigel Russell at the parish council's meeting on Monday.

It was the last parish meeting for Cllr Russell before retiring and, as a thank-you for his service to the council, he was presented with a glass bowl by the incoming parish chairman, Councillor John Sparrow.

Cllr Cotterell, Fenland councillor for Christchurch and Elm. said: "Those of us who have seen him in action know him to be a compassionate, understanding man, always fair and honest in his actions, but no walkover.

"He has proved he has a sheer determination to speak up for his village and parish without fear of favour.

Cllr Russell, 54, has served on the parish council since September 1990, taking over as chairman in May 1995. He was the third generation of his family to serve as the chairman of a council covering Christchurch.

His grandfather, Francis Russell,was chairman of the former Wisbech Rural District Council. His father, Raymond Russell, was chairman of the old Upwell (Isle) Council before taking the same role at Christchurch.

A family man with four children, Cllr Russell now lives at Bridge Farm, once known as Ironbridge Farm, which has been in the Russell family since 1802.

Not only was he on the Parish Council, he takes a very active role with more than 20 bodies, including the National Farmers' Union, Fengrain, Fenmarc and Upwell Internal Drainage Board.