DR Bill Wain is stepping down as chairman of Bordon’s Deadwater Valley Trust after 12 years in the role.

And tributes have been paid in recognition of his long service at a reception at the trust’s headquarters at the The Phoenix Theatre.

Trust ranger Jenny Clarke, Whitehill mayor Sally Pond, and new chairman - a trustee and former ranger - Nora Dobson were at the service.

Ms Pond congratulated Mr Wain on his dedicated service as chairman and thanked him for all he had done over the years.

In his tribute, Whitehill Town Council leader Adam Carew said: “The Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve is a jewell in the crown of Whitehill and Bordon and the Deadwater Valley Trust does a superb job in managing it for Whitehill Town Council.

“The trust finds itself in a stronger position than ever and ready to expand again - this time to include Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces, such as the Bordon Inclosure, as our town begins its next phase of growth and regeneration.

“Bill Wain, with the support of his wife Dr Chris Wain, has for the past 12 years been instrumental in all this, and I have had the privilege to serve with him as vice chairman for the duration.

“Thanks to Bill and his fellow trustees the trust has gone from strength to strength.

“Bill has ensured smooth management, he has done much to secure Local Nature Reserve status for the reserve, and has presided over the inclusion of Alexandra Park, the adoption of bylaws, an expanded ranger team and worked with myself and the town council to provide long-term management plan and stable SLA funding.

“Bill has become an institution and we will be very sad to see him go, but I am delighted to think our first ever ranger, Nora Dobson, will be taking over as chairman and I am very reassured Bill will be staying on as a trustee.

“Our town owes Bill a huge debt of gratitude for all his energy and hard work.”

Dr Wain told the Herald about his reasons for stepping down.

“Succession planning is difficult - something companies and organisations overlook - so I chose this time when the trust is about to change quite dramatically with the work being planned for the Bordon Inclosure,” he explained.

“I have chosen a time not just convenient for me but for the trust so the new chairman will be in place to work with the trust on this new project rather than me delaying things for say another two years.”