I AM a local lady who has loved and read the Echo for many years. I grew up with it.

Neal Butterworth's column, with its humour and friendliness, made me laugh even when I was going through troubling times. I called him my “Mr Buttercup” because his warmth and humanity shone through like a ray of sunshine.

I hope his family find comfort in these dark days just knowing how much he was loved and respected, not only by his colleagues but by ordinary readers like myself.

SHIRLEY HEAD, Highcliffe