TRIBUTES have been paid to a Dorset farmer and councillor who showed 'outstanding commitment' to his community.

Tony Frost was born into a farming family on Burnham-on-Sea in 1932. He grew up with his brothers Patrick and Tim in Berrow, Somerset, before the family moved to Childhay Farm in Drimpton in 1941, transporting stock by rail and herding them on through the lanes.

Tony loved his time at school at St Dunstans in Somerset and Blundells School in Devon. He was a keen sportsman who loved cricket, tennis and rugby, playing the latter for both his school and the local team at Chard.

At the age of 24, Tony moved to take up his own tenancy at Benville Farm near Corscombe. Here he farmed grassland for dairy, beef and sheep production and, later, other ventures, such as turkey production.

A resourceful and resilient farmer he formed a group with other local farmers to benefit from shared use of machinery. Tony became involved in the local National Farmers' Union, parish council and West Dorset District Council, of which he was chairman for a number of years.

Being involved in the village was always important for Tony, according to his family, and he showed strong commitment to the church at Corscombe, local fundraising activities - in particular the Royal British Legion - Corscombe village fete and Beaminster Youth Club. He was also heavily involved with the Melplash Agricultural Society and many people will still remember his commentary today.

Mr Frost and his second wife Margaret retired in 2000, moving to Corscombe where gardening and activities filled their days.

He spent happy hours at Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club and loved its location and sea views.

Even later in life, after the death of Margaret in 2008, he continued with his contributions to council work and never gave up doing 'all he could' to be involved in Corscombe and West Dorset life.

Speaking now for the first time since his death in August, aged 86, Mr Frost's family say he was a warm-hearted man who will be greatly missed.