TRIBUTES have been paid to a university archaeology professor who passed away from cancer.

Timothy Darvill, 66 was described as ‘one of the foremost archaeologists and prehistorians of his generation with a prodigious work ethic’ by Cotswold Archaeology.

He was internationally known for his association with Stonehenge where he directed the first excavation for forty years within the stones.

Timothy taught at Bournemouth University for 30 years as a professor of archaeology.

In a tribute written by colleagues Dr Derek Pitman and Dr Miles Russell at Bournemouth University, it read: "Tim was one of the foremost prehistorians of his generation.

"In 1991, aged 33, he was appointed professor at Bournemouth Polytechnic and, as head of archaeology, then the only scientific programme taught at the Polytechnic, Tim played a pivotal role in helping develop university status.

“Externally, he made significant and lasting contributions to our discipline, publishing over twenty books, including the seminal text ‘Prehistoric Britain’, and over 200 academic papers and articles.

“He will be remembered as a leading scholar, both in the UK and globally, being an archaeologist of international renown.

"He organised countless conferences and directed many excavations across Britain, most notably at Stonehenge, as well fieldwork in the Isle of Man, Malta, Russia, Germany and the USA.

“He was Chairman of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (now the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists), Chairman of the board of directors of Cotswold Archaeology, vice-president of the Society of Antiquaries of London, vice-president of the Royal Archaeological Institute and a Member of the Council of the National Trust.

“He was appointed OBE in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours. Tim was a passionate advocate for Archaeology and Anthropology at Bournemouth University, and we in the department are all part of his legacy.

“He was a core member of our academic family, excelling both as an educator and a world-renowned researcher.

“Many within the department and beyond considered him a mentor and a friend.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and all those he inspired throughout his life".

Tim was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and passed away on October 5.