It is with great sadness and deepest regret we announce that former Rural Services Network chairman Roger Begy OBE has died following a short battle with cancer.

Councillor Begy, who was Leader of Rutland County Council, passed away at Leicester Royal Infirmary on the morning of Monday, 1 February 2016.

His family would like to thank well-wishers for their messages of support throughout recent weeks and now ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

Councillor Begy was chairman of the Rural Services Network from 2004 to 2014 and afterwards served as the network's vice-chairman.

Rural Services Network chief executive Graham Biggs said: "Roger was a great champion for rural communities and for everyone who needed help. During his time as chairman, the network went from strength to strength. He will be greatly missed.

"He was a massive character in every sense of the word - always enthusiastic, always considerate, forever dynamic and totally genuine.

"Roger was a real driving force at the Rural Services Network, at the Local Government Association, and of course with his Local Authority - his beloved Rutland.

"He was prepared to work incredibly hard for people. He also had a great sense of humour. To anyone meeting him, Roger was simply unforgettable."

A further statement will be issued confirming funeral arrangements and details of a Memorial Service in due course.