FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been remembered as an "intellectual, kind and charismatic" man by his Dorset colleagues.

Annette Brooke was often helped by Mr Kennedy when campaigning in Mid Dorset and North Poole and accompanied him on visits to Kemp Welch School, as it was then known, Corfe Hills School and Holton Lee.

Mr Kennedy was also the leader of the Liberal Democrat party when they came to Bournemouth in 2001 for their annual conference.

She said she was "devastated" to hear of his death at the age of just 55. "He was incredibly supportive to me and visited the constituency a large number of times when he was leader," she said. "But the thing that really stands out in my mind is his great gift in terms of his speaking, his intellect, his kindness and also of course his good humour."

She paid tribute to him for opposing the war in Iraq against fierce barracking from both the Conservatives and Labour and said: "He will be long remembered for the principles and values he abided by."

Borough of Poole councillor Sandra Moore agreed. She said: "He was very kind, very charismatic and principled, I will remember him most of all for his stand against the Iraq war.

"I went on the march in London and he gave a rallying speech in which he said how proud he was of us. It still brings a lump to my throat remembering it.

"He had something, there was something about him that people could identify with. He didn't have any difficulty whatsoever talking to the public, he knew how to treat people.

"I remember going to a day conference years back and a little group of us were stood outside the back having a cigarette break. All of a sudden he came out and joined us. He had a can of beer and a cigarette and he just chatted to us, then he went and did a major speech. That was how informal he was."

Under Mr Kennedy's leadership, the Liberal Democrat party enjoyed unprecedented success, with 62 MPs elected to Westminster. His death at his Fort William home is not being treated as suspicious.

Former Bournemouth Mayor and Liberal Democrat councillor Douglas Eyre said he remembered sharing "a nervous cigarette" with Mr Kennedy ahead of the opening of their conference in 2001, which occurred right after the 911 terrorist attacks.

He said: "I think politics has lost a very good man. For me, he will be remembered for his humanity, his humour and his great principles. He never swayed from his principles but he did it in a nice way.

Former Poole Liberal Democrat councillor Brian Clements said: "Charles was universally popular amongst members and will be greatly missed. He was a great support to all members."