PLANS to name a new road after a community stalwart have been approved.

One of the main avenues through a large housing estate at Ringwood will be called Chard Lane in honour of former town councillor Neville Chard, who died aged 88 in May.

Linden Homes is planning to build a total of 175 homes on land at Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane.

Part of the scheme has already been approved by New Forest District Council, which has given Linden planning permission to build the first 62 properties.

Now the town mayor, Cllr Tim Ward, has confirmed that one of the roads will named after Mr Chard.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, he served on the town council for four decades and was also renowned for his 65-year association with Bisterne United Football Club.

Mr Chard also worked as a postman in Ringwood for more than half a century.

In 2010 he made history when he became the first - and so far only - person to be made an Honorary Freeman of Ringwood.

The honour was granted in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the town.

Mr Chard joined Ringwood Town Council in 1973 and was elected chairman three times as well as chairing every committee over the years.

He left the authority in May 2015 and was given a standing ovation by his fellow councillors for his service.